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Additional safety information
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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 long-term 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 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 FDA doing to find out more about the possible
health effects of wireless phone RF?
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).
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.