User manual

Table Of Contents
58
5. 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 concerns 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 implemented new research programs around the world. The
project has also resulted in 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 conduct
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 contracts with 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.
6. 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 vital data. Lifetime animal exposure
studies could be completed in a few years. However, very large numbers of animals