Casio G'zOne Brigade User Manual

Page 178

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177

Safety

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.

What is FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?

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 radiofrequency energy (RF).

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.

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