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similar to the conditions under which people use wireless phones, so
we don't know with certainty what the results of such studies mean
for human health.
Three large epidemiology studies have been published since
December 2000. Between them, the studies investigated any
possible association between the use of wireless phones and primary
brain cancer, glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma, tumors of
the brain or salivary gland, leukemia, or other cancers. None of the
studies demonstrated the existence of any harmful health effects
from wireless phones RF exposures.
However, none of the studies can answer questions 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.
