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Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible information on possible effects of wireless phone use
on human health
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that have responsibility for different aspects of RF
safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level. The following agencies belong to this working group:
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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Environmental Protection Agency Federal Communications Commission
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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National Telecommunications and Information Administration
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The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency working group activities, as well.
FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless phones with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All
phones that are sold in the United States must comply with FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies on
FDA and other health agencies for safety questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone networks rely upon. While these base stations operate at
higher power than do the wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures that people get from these base stations are
typically thousands of times lower than those they can get from wireless phones. Base stations are thus not the primary
subject of the safety questions discussed in this document.
4. 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).
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.
5. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my wireless phone?