Safety
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the animals to RF for up to 22 hours per day. These conditions are not
similar to the conditions under which people 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 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, 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.
What is FDA doing to find 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 radiofrequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization
International Electromagnetic 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.
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 scientific 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
radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency 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.
