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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 wire-
less 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 domay 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
Safety Guidelines