1514. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possiblehealth effects of wireless phone RF?FDA is working with the U.S. National ToxicologyProgram and with groups of investigators around theworld to ensure that high priority animal studies areconducted to address important questions about theeffects of exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).FDA has been a leading participant in the World HealthOrganization International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)Project since its inception in 1996. An influential resultof this work has been the development of a detailedagenda of research needs that has driven theestablishment of new research programs around theworld. The Project has also helped develop a series ofpublic information documents 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 toradiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?150best possible information on possible effects of wirelessphone use on human healthFDA belongs to an interagency working group of thefederal agencies that have responsibility for differentaspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at thefederal level. The following agencies belong to thisworking group:National Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthEnvironmental Protection AgencyFederal Communications CommissionOccupational Safety and Health AdministrationNational Telecommunications and InformationAdministrationThe National Institutes of Health participates in someinteragency working group activities, as well.FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wirelessphones with the Federal Communications Commission(FCC). All phones that are sold in the United States mustcomply with FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure.FCC relies on FDA and other health agencies for safetyquestions about wireless phones.FCC also regulates the base stations that the wirelessphone networks rely upon. While these base stationsoperate at higher power than do the wireless phonesthemselves, the RF exposures that people get from thesebase stations are typically thousands of times lower thanthose they can get from wireless phones. Base stationsare thus not the primary subject of the safety questionsdiscussed in this document.AAppppeennddiixx AAppppeennddiixx