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month), about 4800 cases of brain cancer would be expected each year among those 80 million people, whether or not they used their phones. Thus it is not possible to tell whether any individual's cancer arose because of the phone, or whether it would have happened anyway. A key question is whether the risk of getting a particular form of cancer is greater among people who use mobile phones than among the rest of the population. One way to answer that question is to compare the usage of mobile phones among people with brain cancer with the use of mobile phones among appropriately matched peo- ple without brain cancer. This is called a case-control study. The current case-control study of brain cancers by the National Cancer Institute, as well as the follow-up research to be spon- sored by industry, will begin to generate this type of information.

What is FDA's role concerning the safety of mobile phones? Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation- emitting consumer products such as mobile phones before marketing, as it does with new drugs or medical devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if mobile phones are shown to emit radiation at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufactur- ers of mobile phones to notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so that the hazard no longer exists.

Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regula- tory actions at this time, FDA has urged the mobile phone industry to take a number of steps to assure public safety. The agency has recommended that the industry:

•support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by mobile phones;

•design mobile phones in a way that minimizes any RF expo- sure to the user that is not necessary for device function; and

•cooperate in providing mobile phone users with the best possible information on what is known about possible effects of mobile phone use on human health.

At the same time, FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that have responsibility for differ- ent aspects of mobile phone safety to ensure a coordinated effort at the federal level. These agencies are:

•National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

•Environmental Protection Agency

•Federal Communications Commission

•Occupational Health and Safety Administration

•National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Institutes of Health also participates in this group.

MicroTAC specifications

The Motorola MicroTAC, introduced in 1989, is an iconic mobile phone that set the stage for the evolution of modern cellular technology. Known for its innovative design, the MicroTAC was one of the first truly portable mobile phones, demonstrating how far telecommunications had come since the bulky models of earlier decades.

One of the standout features of the MicroTAC was its flip design, which allowed the phone to be compact when closed and easy to carry. When opened, the phone revealed a numeric keypad and a small monochrome display, which provided essential functions and caller ID information. This flip mechanism not only contributed to its portability but also protected the keypad and screen from damage when not in use.

The MicroTAC was notable for its lightweight plastic casing, which made it significantly lighter than its contemporaries. Weighing just under 250 grams, it was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. The phone had a unique “antenna-in-handle” design, which contributed to its sleek appearance while also optimizing signal reception. This innovation was part of Motorola’s effort to make mobile communication accessible and convenient.

In terms of battery life, the MicroTAC featured a rechargeable NiCd battery that provided several hours of talk time. While modern smartphones boast days of battery life, the MicroTAC was considered admirable for its time, allowing users the freedom to communicate on the go without frequent recharges.

The Motorola MicroTAC operated on analog networks, specifically using the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS). This technology allowed for a clearer voice transmission and was crucial in the early days of mobile communication, enabling users to connect in various environments where fixed lines were impractical.

Additionally, the MicroTAC boasted features like call waiting, auto redial, and a phone book capable of storing multiple contacts—a considerable leap forward from earlier mobile devices.

Despite its simplicity compared to modern smartphones, the Motorola MicroTAC laid the groundwork for future mobile technologies and design principles. Its combination of portability, innovative engineering, and user-friendly features solidified Motorola's reputation as a leader in telecommunications. The MicroTAC remains a nostalgic symbol of the early mobile telephony era and a testament to the foundational technologies that paved the way for today's devices.