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What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from wireless
11.
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.
Which other federal agencies have responsibilities related to potential RF
12.
health effects?
Additional information on the safety of RF exposures from various sources
can be obtained from the following organizations.
• FCC RF Safety Program:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
http://www.epa.gov/radiation
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics
• World health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection:
http://www.icnirp.de
• National Radiation Protection Board (UK):
http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation
• US Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones
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