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Safety
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.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to
radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products—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 exposure to radiofrequency
energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a
person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless
phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone
every day, you could place more distance between your body and
the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically
with distance. For example, you could use a headset and carry
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