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However, none of the studies can
answer questions about longterm
exposures, since the average
period of phone use in these
studies was around three years.
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