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so we don t know with certainty what 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.
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.
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
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