WHAT RESEARCH IS BEING DONE ON RF BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS?

For many years, research into the possible biological effects of RF energy has been carried out in laboratories around the world, and such research is continuing.   Past research has resulted in a large number of peer-reviewed scientific publications on this topic.   For many years the U.S. Government has sponsored research into the biological effects of RF energy.   The majority of this work was initiated by the Department of Defense, due in part, to the extensive military interest in using RF equipment such as radar and other relatively high-powered radio transmitters for routine military operations.   In addition, some U.S. civilian federal agencies responsible for health and safety, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have sponsored and conducted research in this area.   At the present time, other U.S. civilian federal health and safety agencies and institutions, such as the National Toxicology Program and the National Institutes of Health, have also initiated RF bioeffects research.

In 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a program called the International EMF Project,  which is designed to review the scientific literature concerning biological effects of electromagnetic fields, identify gaps in knowledge about such effects, recommend research needs, and work towards international resolution of health concerns over the use of RF technology.  The WHO maintains a Web site that provides extensive information on this project and about RF biological effects and research. Back to Top

The FDA, the EPA and other federal agencies responsible for public health and safety have worked together and in connection with the WHO to monitor developments and identify research needs related to RF biological effects.  More information about this can be obtained at the FDA Web site: FDA Radiation-Emitting Products – Current Research.