Appendix C: Consumer Update on Wireless Phones196FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Programand with groups of investigators around the world toensure that high priority animal studies are conducted toaddress important questions about the effects of exposureto radio frequency energy (RF).FDA has been a leading participant in the World HealthOrganization International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)Project since its inception in 1996. An influential result ofthis work has been the development of a detailed agendaof research needs that has driven the establishment ofnew research programs around the world. The Project hasalso helped develop a series of public informationdocuments on EMF issues.FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & InternetAssociation (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Researchand Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research onwireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientificoversight, obtaining input from experts in government,industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-fundedresearch is conducted through contracts to independentinvestigators. The initial research will include bothlaboratory studies and studies of wireless phone users.The CRADA will also include a broad assessment ofadditional research needs in the context of the latestresearch developments around the world.5. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?If there is a risk from these products—and at this point wedo not know that there is—it is probably very small. But ifyou are concerned about avoiding even potential risks,you can take a few simple steps to minimize your