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seCtIon 13 HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION
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 ten 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 radio frequency energy (RF).
FDAhasbeenaleadingparticipantintheWorldHealthOrganization
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 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-fundedresearchisconductedthroughcontractsto
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.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy
from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products—and at this point we do not know that
there is—it is probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding
evenpotentialrisks,youcantakeafewsimplestepstominimizeyour
exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how
much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using
a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
• Ifyoumustconductextendedconversationsbywirelessphoneevery
day, you could place more distance between your body and the source
of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance.
For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away
from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are
harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these
products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce your
RF exposure from wireless phone use.
What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones,
including children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower
exposure to radio frequency energy (RF), the measures described above
would apply to children and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the
time of wireless phone use and increasing the distance between the user
and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.