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19
use wireless phones, so we don’t know with certainty what the 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, 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 longterm
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
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