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>> Health and safety information
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 ten 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 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 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
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