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12
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, 166 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
followup 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 cancercausing 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 (CRADA)
to do research on wireless phone safety.
The FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government,
industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-
funded research is conducted through
contracts with 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.
7. How can I find out how much Radio
Frequency energy exposure I can get by
using my wireless phone?
All phones sold in the United States must
comply with Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) guidelines that limit
Radio Frequency (RF) energy exposures.
The FCC established these guidelines in
consultation with the FDA and the other
federal health and safety agencies. The FCC
limit for RF exposure from wireless phones
is set at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of
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