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Appendix 127
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 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.
6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the possible health
effects of wireless phone RF?
The 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 (RF) energy.
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization
International Electro Magnetic 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.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research And Development Agreement
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