Nokia 9500 User Manual page 131

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rapidly with increasing distance from the source. The so-called
cordless phones; which have a base unit connected to the
telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower
power levels, and thus produce RF exposures far below the FCC
safety limits.
• What are the results of the research done already? The research
done thus far has produced conflicting results, and many studies
have suffered from flaws in their research methods. Animal
experiments investigating the effects of radiofrequency energy
(RF) exposures characteristic of wireless phones have yielded
conflicting results that often cannot be repeated in other
laboratories. A few animal studies, however, have suggested
that low levels of RF could accelerate the development of
cancer in laboratory animals. However, many of the studies that
showed increased tumor development used animals that had
been genetically engineered or treated with cancer-causing
chemicals so as to be pre-disposed to develop cancer in the
absence of RF exposure. Other studies exposed the animals to
RF for up to 22 hours per day. These conditions are not similar
to the conditions under which people use wireless phones, 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.
• 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
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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 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
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