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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 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
diffi culties 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.
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