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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 do not 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 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 research is conducted through
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