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animals that had been genetically engineered or treated with cancer-
causing chemicals so as to be predisposed to develop cancer in the
absence of RF exposure. Other studies 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
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 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
US740GSG(eng).indd 51 2010.10.12 10:39:42 AM