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 FDA doing to find out more
about the possible health effects of
wireless phone RF?
Between them, the studies investigated
any possible association between the use
of wireless phones and primary brain
cancer, glioma, meningioma, or acoustic
neu-roma, 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 phone 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.
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.
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WARRANTY
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UPDATE
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