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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 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
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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. 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 energy (RF).
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