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 the FDA doing to find out
more about the possible health effects of
wireless phone RF?
The 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 (RF) energy.
The FDA has been a leading participant in
the World Health Organization
International Electro Magnetic 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.
The FDA and the Cellular
Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research
And Development Agreement (CRADA) to
do research on wireless phone safety. The
FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic
organizations. CTIA-funded research is
conducted through contracts with
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 Radio
Frequency 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
Radio Frequency (RF) energy exposures.
The FCC established these guidelines in
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