User's Manual

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leukemia, or other types of cancer. None of the studies
demonstrated the existence of any harmful health effects from
wireless phone RF exposures. However, none of the studies can
provide absolute findings about long-term exposures since the
average period of phone use in these studies was approximately
three years.
4. What kinds of phones are the subjects of this update?
Here the term “wireless phone” refers to handheld wireless
phones with built-in antennas, often called “cell”, “mobile”, or
“PCS” phones. These types of wireless phones can expose the
user to measurable Radio Frequency (RF) energy because of the
short distance between the phone and the user’s head. These RF
exposures are limited by FCC safety guidelines that were
developed with the advice of the FDA and other federal health
and safety agencies. When the phone is located at greater
distances from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically reduced
due to a person's RF exposure rapidly decreasing with increasing
distance from the source.
The so-called “cordless phones,” which have a base unit
connected to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at
far lower power levels, thus producing RF exposures far below
the FCC safety limits.
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