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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
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 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 about the
effects of exposure to radiofrequency
energy (RF). The 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. The FDA and the
Cellular Telecommunications & Internet
Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and
Safety Guidelines
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