LG LGBP6100 - Manual (Page 83)

animals. However, many of the studies that showed increased
tumor development used animals that had been genetically engi-
neered or treated with cancer-causing chemicals so as to be pre-
disposed to develop cancer in the absence of RF exposure. Other
studies exposed the animals to RF for up to 22 hours per day. These
conditions are not similar to the conditions under which people use
wireless phones, so we don’t know with certainty what the results
of such studies mean for human health. 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 fol-
low-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 interpreta-
tion of epidemiological studies is hampered by difficulties in meas-
uring 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.
82 BP6100
Safety