Samsung SPH-A303ZDASKE - Manual (Page 155)

Section 15: Health and Safety Information 155
Consumer Information on Wireless Phones
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 phones 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.
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 ten 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 radio frequency 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 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