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Health and safety information
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about long-term exposures, since the average
period of phone use in these studies was around
three years.
What research is needed to decide whether
RF exposure from wireless phones poses a
health risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and
epidemiological studies of people actually using
wireless phones would provide some of the data that
are needed. Lifetime animal exposure studies could
be completed in a few years. However, very large
numbers of animals would be needed to provide
reliable proof of a cancer promoting effect if one
exists. Epidemiological studies can provide data that
is directly applicable to human populations, but ten
or more years' follow-up may be needed to provide
answers about some health effects, such as cancer.
This is because the interval between the time of
exposure to a cancer-causing agent and the time
tumors develop - if they do - may be many, many
years. The interpretation of epidemiological studies
is hampered by difficulties in measuring actual RF
exposure during day-to-day use of wireless phones.
Many factors affect this measurement, such as the
angle at which the phone is held, or which model of
phone is used.
What is FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology
Program and with groups of investigators around the
world to ensure that high priority animal studies are
conducted to address important questions about the
effects of exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World
Health Organization international Electromagnetic
Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996. An
influential result of this work has been the
development of a detailed agenda of research needs
that has driven the establishment of new research
programs around the world. The Project has also
helped develop a series of public information
documents on EMF issues.
FDA and Cellular Telecommunications & Internet
Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative
Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to
do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides
the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts
in government, industry, and academic
organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted
through contracts to independent investigators. The
initial research will include both laboratory studies
and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will
also include a broad assessment of additional
research needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure
to radio frequency energy from my wireless
phone?
If there is a risk from these products - and at this
point we do not know that there is - it is probably
Z610.book Page 84 Monday, June 26, 2006 11:10 AM