Nokia E70 User Manual page 118

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.
•
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.
•
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 radiofrequency energy (RF). FDA has been a leading
participant in the World Health Organization International
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996.
An influential result of this work has been the development of a
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
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issues. FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet
Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining
input from experts in government, industry, and academic
organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through
contracts to 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.
•
How can I find out how much radiofrequency energy exposure I
can get by using my wireless phone? All phones sold in the United
States must comply with Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) guidelines that limit radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures.
FCC established these guidelines in consultation with FDA and
the other federal health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF
exposure from wireless telephones is set at a Specific Absorption
Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). The FCC limit
is consistent with the safety standards developed by the Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) and the National
Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement. The exposure
limit takes into consideration the body's ability to remove heat
from the tissues that absorb energy from the wireless phone and is
set well below levels known to have effects. Manufacturers of
wireless phones must report the RF exposure level for each model
of phone to the FCC. The FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/
rfsafety) gives directions for locating the FCC identification
number on your phone so you can find your phone's RF exposure
level in the online listing.
•
What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy coming
from wireless phones? The Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical standard for measuring
the radiofrequency energy (RF) exposure from wireless phones
and other wireless handsets with the participation and leadership
of FDA scientists and engineers. The standard, Recommended
Practice for Determining the Spatial-Peak Specific Absorption
Rate (SAR) in the Human Body Due to Wireless Communications
Devices: Experimental Techniques, sets forth the first consistent