LG VX10 Manual Del Usuario página 71

4. What are the results of the research done already?
The research done thus far has produced conflicting results, and many
studies have suffered from flaws in their research methods. Animal
experiments investigating the effects of radiofrequency energy (RF)
exposures characteristic of wireless phones have yielded conflicting
results that often cannot be repeated in other laboratories. A few
animal studies, however, have suggested that low levels of RF could
accelerate the development of cancer in laboratory animals. However,
many of the studies that showed increased tumor development used
animals that had been genetically engineered or treated with cancer-
causing chemicals so as to be pre-disposed to develop cancer in the
absence of RF exposure. Other studies exposed the animals to RF for
up to 22 hours per 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.
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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 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.
7. How can I find out how much radiofrequency energy exposure I
can get by using my wireless phone?
All phones sold in the United States must comply with Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines that limit
radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures. FCC established these
guidelines in consultation with FDA and the other federal health and
safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless
telephones is set at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per
kilogram (1.6 W/kg). The FCC limit is consistent with the safety
standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineering (IEEE) and the National Council on Radiation Protection
and Measurement. The exposure limit takes into consideration the
body's ability to remove heat from the tissues that absorb energy from
the wireless phone and is set well below levels known to have effects.
Manufacturers of wireless phones must report the RF exposure level
for each model of phone to the FCC. The FCC website
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) gives directions for locating the FCC
identification number on your phone so you can find your phone's RF
exposure level in the online listing.
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