User's Manual

SAFETY
However, many of the studies that showed increased tumor
development used animals that had been genetically engineered or
treated with cancer-causing chemicals so as to be pre-disposed to
develop cancer in the absence of RF exposure.Other studies exposed
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.
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.
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SAFETY
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 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 doresearch 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.