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FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone networks
rely upon. While these base stations operate at higher power than do the
wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures that people get from
these base stations are typically thousands of times lower than those they
can get from wireless phones. Base stations are thus not the primary
subject of the safety questions discussed in this document.
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 the 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.