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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