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Safety Guidelines
110
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.