6. 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 radiofrequency
energy (RF). The 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. The FDA and the
Cellular Telecommunications
& Internet Association (CTIA)
have a formal Cooperative
Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to do
research on wireless phone
safety. The FDA provides
the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from
experts in government,
industry, and academic
organizations. CTIAfunded
research is conducted through
contracts with 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.
121