Cell Phone Health Studies Continue

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- It's too soon to say whether radio frequency emissions from cellular phones cause adverse health effects, including brain cancer, say scientists at a recent Food and Drug Association conference.

"The scientific community is in agreement that [prior] research [shows cell phones] do not produce a demonstrative health effect at this time," says Dr. Jerry R. Williams, professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University.

Williams carefully emphasizes the words "at this time," indicating a need for more studies. "The problem with cell phones is any genetic effect showing [evidence of] a carcinogen may not show up for 10 or 20 years," he says.

Seeking a Long-Term Prognosis

Since June, the FDA has collaborated with the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, a group of wireless companies, on research into mobile phone safety. The association of more than 130 wireless telecommunications companies is funding the research. The FDA will select independent scientific groups to conduct the research.

The working group includes scientists from the FDA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Motorola. They reviewed previous data and outlined a plan for lab and cell phone user research that will last from three to five years.

The group spent two days trying to establish basic scientific parameters for research.

"I observed a rigorous and thorough discussion [at the meeting]," says Jo-Anne Basille, CTIA vice president for external and industry relations. The task is complicated, and contingent on the evidence discovered at each stage of the research, Basille adds.

Specifics of the plan are not available yet.

"The ball is currently in the scientists' court. They're still in the preproposal process," says Travis Larson, an industry association spokesperson.