Section 16: Health and Safety Information 187
Consumer Information on Wireless Phones
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 of wireless
phone users. The CRADA will also include a broad