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Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)
Program of the National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) actively follows
cancer statistics in the United States to detect any
change in rates of new cases for brain cancer. If cell
phones play a role in risk for brain cancer, rates
should go up, because heavy cell phone use has been
common for quite some time in the U.S. Between
1987 and 2005, the overall age-adjusted incidence of
brain cancer did not increase. Additional information
about SEER can be found at
http://seer.cancer.gov/
.
Cell Phone Industry Actions
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA
regulatory actions, the FDA has urged the cell phone
industry to take a number of steps, including the
following:
•
Support-needed research on possible biological
effects of RF for the type of signal emitted by cell
phones;
•
Design cell phones in a way that minimizes any RF
exposure to the user; and
•
Cooperate in providing users of cell phones with the
current information on cell phone use and human
health concerns.
The FDA also is working with voluntary standard-
setting bodies such as the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International
Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP), and others to assure that safety standards
continue to adequately protect the public.
Reducing Exposure: Hands-Free Kits and Other
Accessories
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Radio Frequency
Energy
If there is a risk from being exposed to radio
frequency energy (RF) from cell phones - and at this
point we do not know that there is - it is probably very
small. But, if you are concerned about avoiding even
potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to
minimize your RF exposure.
•
Reduce the amount of time spent using your cell phone;
•
Use speaker mode or a headset to place more distance
between your head and the cell phone.
Hands-Free Kits
Hands-free kits may include audio or Bluetooth®
headsets and various types of body-worn accessories
such as belt-clips and holsters. Combinations of these
can be used to reduce RF energy absorption from cell
phones.
Headsets can substantially reduce exposure because
the phone is held away from the head in the user's
hand or in approved body-worn accessories. Cell
phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet RF
exposure compliance requirements when used
against the head and against the body.
Because there are no known risks from exposure to
RF emissions from cell phones, there is no reason to
believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free
kits can be used for convenience and comfort. They
are also required by law in many states if you want to
use your phone while driving.
