48
term exposures since the average period of phone use in these studies was
approximately three years.
4. What kinds of phones are the subjects of this update?
Here the term “wireless phone” refers to handheld wireless phones with built-in
antennas, often called “cell”, “mobile”, or “PCS” phones. These types of wireless
phones can expose the user to measurable Radio Frequency (RF) energy because
of the short distance between the phone and the user’s head. These RF exposures
are limited by FCC safety guidelines that were developed with the advice of the FDA
and other federal health and safety agencies. When the phone is located at greater
distances from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically reduced due to a person's
RF exposure rapidly decreasing with increasing distance from the source.
The so-called “cordless phones,” which have a base unit connected to the telephone
wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower power levels, thus producing RF
exposures far below the FCC safety limits.
5. 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 concerns about the effects of exposure to Radio Frequency
(RF) energy.
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization
International Electro Magnetic 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 implemented new research programs around the world. The
project has also resulted in a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
