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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.
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 ten 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 the FDA doing to
find out more about the
possible health effects of
wireless phone RF?
The 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
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For Your Safety