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

The 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).

The FDA has been a leading participant in theWorld 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.

The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and DevelopmentAgreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. The 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.

Section 12: Maintenance, Safety, and

Troubleshooting 175

Page 180
Image 180
Audiovox PPC 6600 manual Maintenance, Safety, Troubleshooting

PPC 6600 specifications

The Audiovox PPC 6600 is a notable smartphone that emerged in the early 2000s, distinguished for its unique blend of features, technologies, and usability. Targeted towards tech enthusiasts and business professionals, this device was one of the early contenders in the smartphone market, showcasing Qualcomm's technology and Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system.

At the heart of the PPC 6600 is the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system, which provided users with a familiar interface, allowing them to access various applications and functionalities. Its integration of Microsoft Office Mobile allowed users to view and edit Word and Excel documents on the go, making it a practical choice for professionals who needed mobility without sacrificing productivity.

The PPC 6600 is powered by a 400 MHz Qualcomm MSM5200 processor, which was quite competitive for its time, enabling smooth multitasking and efficient application performance. It boasts 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of ROM, offering adequate storage for essential applications and user data. Additionally, the device supports expansion via SD cards, allowing for additional memory, which is essential for users handling larger files.

One of the standout features of the PPC 6600 is its 3.5-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This display was characterized by the ability to handle both stylus input and finger gestures, giving users flexibility in navigation and interaction. The device also featured a unique slide-out keyboard, bridging the gap between touchscreen input and traditional typing, which appealed to users who favored tactile feedback.

Connectivity options on the PPC 6600 were versatile for its time, including Bluetooth, infrared, and a mini USB port, enabling users to connect to various peripherals and networks. The device also featured support for 802.11b Wi-Fi, allowing for fast internet access, which was a significant advantage in enhancing productivity on the move.

The PPC 6600 came equipped with a 1.3-megapixel camera, which, while basic by today's standards, provided users with the capability to capture memories and important documents. The device was powered by a removable lithium-ion battery, which offered reasonable battery life for daily tasks, although heavy users often needed to recharge more frequently.

In summary, the Audiovox PPC 6600 was a pioneering smartphone that successfully combined essential features, smart design, and early smartphone technology to cater to a growing audience of mobile professionals and tech-savvy users. With its comprehensive capabilities, it laid the groundwork for future smartphones, influencing the design and functionality of many devices that followed.