Section 14: Health and Safety Information 137
Consumer Information on Wireless Phones
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 develop a series of public information
documents on EMF issues.
FDA and 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.
