User's Manual

55
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.