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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.
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.
SAFETY
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.
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.
SAFETY
071012_1450M-EN_REV01.indd 136-137071012_1450M-EN_REV01.indd 136-137 2007.12.17 10:21:31 AM2007.12.17 10:21:31 AM