Safety – Kyocera VM1450 User Manual

Page 135

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135

SAFETY

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 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.

FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is
conducted through contracts to 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.

7. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do not know that there is--it is probably very small.
But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your
exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives,

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