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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 te interval between the time of exposure to a cancer-causing agent and the
time tumors develop - if they do - may be many years. The interpretation of epidemiological studies is hampered by difficulties in
measuring actual RF exposure during dat-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 effect 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 the Cellular Telecommunications and 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 abroad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the latest research development
around the world.
7.
How can I find out how much radio frequency energy exposure I can get by using my wireless phone?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that wireless phones sold in the United States demonstrate compliance
with human exposure limits adopted by FCC in 1996. The relative amount of RF energy absorbed in the head of a wireless
telephone-user is given by he Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The FCC requires wireless phones to comply with a SAR safety
limit of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg).
Information on SAR for phone models authorized since June 2, 2000, can be obtained by using the FCC identification (ID) number
for that model. The FCC ID number is usually printed somewhere on the case of the phone, but it may be on the battery pack.
Follow the directions to enter the FCC ID number and obtain the SAR information of "Grant of Equipment Authorization." Grants
authorized prior to 1998 are not part of the electronic database.
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