98
average period of phone use
in these studies was around
three years.
5. 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 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, 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.
6. 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 radiofrequency energy (RF).
The FDA has been a leading
participant in the World Health
Organization International
Safety Guidelines
GT540R MR_RGS_Canada Rosers_E_0198 98
2011.1.25 2:10:8 PM
