A few animal studies suggest that low-level radio frequency exposure accelerates the development of cancer in laboratory animals. But scientists are uncertain whether that study's results apply to cell phone use. Repetitive experiments are necessary to show effects can be duplicated, the working group says. For scientific legitimacy, data must be published and then reproduced by other groups. The FDA is developing research recommendations based on the ideas and concerns of the working group, says Russell D. Owen, chief of the FDA's Radiation Biology branch.
Warning Labels Appear Another governmental agency is also tracking the issue.
The industry association recently required all cell phones submitted for certification after August 1 to include SAR data inside their packaging. Cell phones with SAR information will be on the market in three to six months. In the meantime, the FCC Web site has information on how consumers can determine the SAR level of their phones. All parties are awaiting more conclusive research. In the interim, some scientists recommend using an ear piece with your cell phone to distance the antenna from your head.