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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
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