For Your Safety
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 the FDA doing to
find out more about the
possible health effects of
wireless phone RF?
The 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 (RF)
energy.
The FDA has been a leading
participant in the World Health
Organization International Electro
Magnetic Fields (EMF) Project
since its inception in 1996. An
influential result of this work
has been the development of a
156
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.
The FDA and the Cellular
Telecommunications & Internet
Association (CTIA) have a
formal Cooperative Research
And Development Agreement
(CRADA) to do research on
wireless phone safety. The FDA
provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts
in government, industry, and
academic organizations. CTIA-
funded research is conducted
through contracts with
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.