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Safety
k 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.
k 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 radiofrequency 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