Are wireless phones safe? A review of the issue.

Most wireless phones and their corresponding base stations operate at a very low power output and in the radiofrequency range of 800 to 2000 Megahertz. Current international guidelines protect against thermal biological effects in terms of the local or whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR). Potential non-thermal bio-effects resulting from the use of wireless phones are not established and laboratory (i.e., in vitro, in vivo) studies have shown conflicting results. Epidemiological studies of potential human health effects are few but are expected to emerge in the near future. Challenges to epidemiological research include difficult exposure assessment, selection of appropriate controls, potential confounding bias, and validation of outcome. Scientists, community advocacy groups, and public health professionals must be equipped to critically analyze the emerging evidence within a benefit/risk assessment framework.