Wireless technology research, L.L.C.'s ongoing surveillance

• Published in: Human and ecological risk assessment 1997-02, Vol.3 (1), p.15-23
• Main Authors: Sund, Kelly G., Carlo, George L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cellular telephones; epidemiology; postmarketing surveillance; radiofrequency radiation; toxicology
• ISSN: 1080-7039; 1549-7860
• DOI: 10.1080/10807039709383665

A notable component in the Wireless Technology Research, L.L.C. (WTR) program to assess potential public health risks from wireless communication instruments is its inclusion of a rapid trigger for public health intervention should a risk be identified. To this end, the WTR performs active surveillance of cellular telephone users by conducting cohort and case-control studies. To insure that not only risks identified through the WTR's research are assessed, the WTR also continually performs passive surveillance of research conducted elsewhere. This research is identified by word of mouth, by attending scientific conferences where new data are presented, by interacting with groups coordinating international research, by conducting a survey of planned and ongoing work, and by reviewing published literature. To date, no need for immediate intervention without further study has been identified. Two new areas of research, potential DNA breaks as assessed by the single cell gel assay and potential interactions between cellular telephones and implanted cardiac pacemakers, have been incorporated into the WTR program as a result of ongoing surveillance.