20
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 longterm 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.
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 radiofrequency energy (RF).
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