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What research is needed to decide whether RF
exposure from wireless phones poses a health
threat?
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.
What is FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. 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
energy (RF).
Usage guidelines: All about performance and safety
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