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Safety Guidelines
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
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety.
The FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is
conducted through contracts with independent investigators. The initial
research will include both laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone