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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.
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
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