6. What is the FDA doing to fi nd 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 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 infl uential 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 scientifi c oversight, obtaining input from experts
in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded
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.
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