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Section 4A: Safety 134
people use wireless phones, so we don't know with certainty what the results
of such studies mean for human health.
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 long-term exposures, since the average period of
phone use in these studies was around three years.
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.
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.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a
formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do
research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and academic
organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts to
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.