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base stations are typically thousands of times lower than
those they can get from wireless phones. Base stations
are thus not the primary subject of the safety questions
discussed in this document.
3. 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).
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 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.
4. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio
frequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products—and at this point we
do not know that there is—it is probably very small. But if
you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks,
you can take a few simple steps to minimize your
exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since time is a
key factor in how much exposure a person receives,
reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone
will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless
phone every day, you could place more distance between
your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure
level drops off dramatically with distance. For example,
you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone
away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to
a remote antenna
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