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SAFETY
exposed the animals to RF for up to 22 hours per day.
These conditions are not similar to the conditions
under which people use wireless phones, so we do not
know with certainty what the results of such studies
mean for human health. Three large epidemiology
studies have been published since December 2000.
Between them, the studies investigated any possible
association between the use of wireless phones and
primary brain cancer, glioma, meningioma, or acoustic
neuroma, tumors of the brain or salivary gland,
leukemia, or other cancers. None of the studies
demonstrated the existence of any harmful health
effects from wireless phone RF exposures. However,
none of the studies can answer questions about long-
term 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 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 about the
effects of exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) energy.
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World
Health Organization International Electro Magnetic
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 users. The CRADA will also
include a broad assessment of additional research
needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.
7. How can I find out how much Radio
Frequency energy exposure I can get by
using my wireless phone?
All phones sold in the United States must comply with
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines
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