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studies can answer questions about long-term exposures,
since the average period of device use in these studies was
around three years.
5. What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure
from tablets poses a health risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and epidemiological
studies of people actually using tablets 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
tablets. Many factors affect this measurement, such as the
angle at which the tablet is held, or which model of tablet is
used.
6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the possible
health effects of tablet 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
important questions 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 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.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet
Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research And
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
device safety. The FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and
academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted