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Safety
Three large epidemiology studies have been published since
December 2000. Between them, the studies investigated any
possible association between the use of wireless phones and
primary brain cancer, glioma, meningioma, or acoustic
neuroma, tumors of the brain or salivary gland, leukemia, or
other cancers. None of the studies demonstrated the existence
of any harmful health effects from wireless phone RF
exposures. However, none of the studies can answer questions
about long-term exposures, since the average period of phone
use in these studies was around three years.
5. 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 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 10 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 wireless phones.
Many factors affect this measurement, such as the angle at
which the phone is held, or which model of phone is used.
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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 energy (RF).
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health
Organization International Electromagnetic 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 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.
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