LG 6070 - Manuel (Page 55)

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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.
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.
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
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