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Section 12: Maintenance, Safety, and
Troubleshooting
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 is 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 10 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
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 the FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of
wireless phone RF?
The 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).
The 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.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
(CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. The 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.
