Safety
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 ten 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.
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
102
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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