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.
4. What kinds of phones are the subjects of this update?
The term “wireless phone” refers here to handheld wireless phones with built-in antennas, often called “cell”,
“mobile”, or “PCS” phones. These types of wireless phones can expose the user to measurable Radio
Frequency (RF) energy because of the short distance between the phone and the user’s head. These RF
exposures are limited by FCC safety guidelines that were developed with the advice of the FDA and other
federal health and safety agencies. When the phone is located at greater distances from the user, the exposure
to RF is drastically lower because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the
source.
The so-called “cordless phones,” which have a base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a house,
typically operate at far lower power levels, and thus produce RF exposures far below the FCC safety limits.
5. 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.
