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Appendix A
Maintaining
Pocket PC Phone User Manual162
Appendix A
Maintaining
Pocket PC Phone User Manual
163
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.
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 years. The interpretation of epidemiological studies
is hampered by difculties 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.
What is FDA doing to nd out more about the possible health effects of wireless phone
RF?
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 energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996. An inuential 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.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety. FDA provides the scientic oversight, obtaining input from experts in government,
industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts
to 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.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my
wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do not know that there is--it is
probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take
a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since time is a
key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a
wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.