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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 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
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 that limit radio
frequency energy (RF) exposures. The FCC established these
guidelines in consultation with the FDA and the other federal
health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from
wireless telephones is set at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of
1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). The FCC limit is consistent with
the safety standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering (IEEE) and the National Council on
Radiation Protection and Measurement. The exposure limit takes
into consideration the body’s ability to remove heat from the
tissues that absorb energy from the wireless phone and is set
well below levels known to have effects. Manufacturers of
wireless phones must report the RF exposure level for each
Safety GuidelinesSafety Guidelines