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106
Safety Guidelines
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.
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 radiofrequency energy (RF).
The 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.
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