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Safety
2000. Between them, the studies investigated any possible association
between the use of wireless phones and primary brain cancer, glioma,
meningioma, or acoustic neuroma, 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.
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