Nokia 6585 User Manual

Page 95

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 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, 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.
6. 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

radiofrequency 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 the 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 assessment of additional research

needs in the context of the latest research developments around the world.

7. How can I find out how much radiofrequency energy exposure I can

get by using my wireless phone?

All phones sold in the United States must comply with Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) guidelines that limit radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures.

FCC established these guidelines in consultation with FDA and the other federal

health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless telephones

is set at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg).

The FCC limit is consistent with the safety standards developed by the Institute of

Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) and the National Council on Radiation

Protection and Measurement. The exposure limit takes into consideration the

body’s ability to remove heat from the tissues that absorb energy from the wireless

phone and is set well below levels known to have effects.