User manual
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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 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 of follow-up research may be needed to provide answers about certain health effects,
such as cancer.
This is due to the interval between exposure time to a cancer-causing agent and the rate
for which tumors develop - if they do. This could take several years into the future. 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.
7. What has the FDA done to measure the Radio Frequency energy coming from