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Health and safety information
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 studiesis
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.
12. Which other federal agencies have
responsibilities related to potential RF health
effects?
Additional information on the safety of RF
exposures from various sources can be obtained
from the following organizations.
FCC RF Safety Program:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/
Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
(OSHA):
http://www.oshaslc.
148
Health and safety information
gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html
National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH):
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emfpg.html
World health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int/peh-emf/
International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection:
http://www.icnirp.de
National Radiation Protection Board (UK):
http://www.nrpb.org.uk
Updated 4/3/2002: US Food and Drug
Administration
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones
149
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