be many, many years. 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.
6. 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 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 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
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