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A A p p p p e e n n d d i i x x
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.
11. 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.
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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.osha-
slc.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
A A p p p p e e n n d d i i x x
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