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Reference information
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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 FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects
of wireless phone RF?
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 energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International
Electromagnetic 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.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications
&
Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted
through contracts to 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 energy (RF) exposures. FCC established these
guidelines in consultation with FDA and the other federal health and safety agencies.
The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless telephones is set at a Specific Absorption
Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). The FCC limit is consistent with the
safety standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE)
and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement. The exposure limit
takes into consideration the body’s ability to remove heat from the tissues that absorb
energy from the wireless phone and is set well below levels known to have effects.
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