Nokia 3300 User Manual page 248

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.
5.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.
6.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.
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