54
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 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 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
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