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For Your Safety 166
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 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 (CRADA) to do research
on wireless phone safety. The FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining
input from experts in government, industry, and academic organizations.
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