Mobile-Phone Firms, FDA to Study
Effect of Phones on Health of Callers

By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter
Copyright 2000 Wall Street Journal
June 9, 2000

WASHINGTON -- The government and cellular-phone companies are joining forces to research whether wireless phones are dangerous to users' health.

The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that its scientists will design studies to determine whether handheld cell phones' radio emissions are harmful. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association agreed to fund the $1 million project, and independent researchers will carry it out over the next three years.

So far, research hasn't shown that wireless phones pose a significant health risk, but there isn't enough information to be sure that they don't, the FDA said. Of about a dozen studies conducted by the wireless industry, which haven't yet been reviewed by outside scientists, two showed that use of wireless phones may be connected to a rare type of brain cancer or to changes in some genetic material.

"There are hints, but there isn't enough information to base any actions on," said Harvey Rudolph, of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Cell phones emit low levels of radio-frequency radiation, mostly while they are in use, but possibly also when they aren't. At high levels, heat from this type of radiation can cause biological damage. What low levels of the radiation can do is unknown.

In the past, the FDA has recommended that consumers decrease their cell-phone use if they are concerned about potential health effects, Mr. Rudolph said. Those worried about interaction of cell phones and pacemakers can use the phones on the right side of their body, he said.

Car accidents resulting from using a cell phone while driving are "much more of a problem at this point" than radio emissions, Mr. Rudolph said, so the FDA recommends that drivers use devices such as headsets that will keep their hands free.