Blackberry Wireless Handheld Frequently Asked Questions Manual page 6

FDA Consumer Update
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 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.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency 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
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned
about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce
your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
6 CTIA Compliance