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A P P E N D I X
exposure. FCC relies on FDA and other health agencies for safety
questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone networks
rely upon. While these base stations operate at higher power than do
the wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures that people get from
these 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.
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
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