User's Manual

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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 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.
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 radiofrequency energy (RF).
The 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.
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.
7.How can I find out how much radio frequency energy
exposure I can get by using my wireless phone?
All phones sold in the United States must comply with Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines that limit radio
frequency energy (RF) exposures. The FCC established these guidelines
in consultation with the FDA and the other federal health and safety
agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless telephones is set
at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6
W/kg). The FCC limit is consistent with the safety standards developed
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) and the
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement. The
exposure limit takes into consideration the body’s ability to remove heat
from the tissues that absorb energy from the wireless phone and is set
well below levels known to have effects. Manufacturers of wireless
phones must report the RF exposure level for each model of phone to the
FCC. The FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ rfsafety) gives
directions for locating the FCC identification number on your phone so
you can find your phone’s RF exposure level in the online listing.
8.What has the FDA done to measure the radio frequency
energy coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing
a technical standard for measuring the radio frequency energy (RF)
Safety Guidelines Safety Guidelines