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Safety Guidelines
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.