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For Your Safety
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