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that showed increased tumor development used animals that had been
genetically engineered or treated with cancer-causing chemicals so as to be
pre-disposed to develop cancer in absence of RF exposure. Other studies
exposed the animals to RF for up to 22 hours per day. These conditions are not
similar to the conditions under which people use wireless phones, so we don’t
know with certainty what 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, glaucoma, 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 phones RF exposures. However, none of the studies can
answer questions about long-term exposures, since 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 threat?
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.
a310verizon.book Page 121 Thursday, January 9, 2003 10:43 AM