Eighteen months and $2 million after it was commissioned, the Scientific Advisory Group studying cellular telephone safety has released a research agenda.
“Some contend that the process has taken too long, but I believe that, had we rushed into research without proper peer review-or without adequate scientific input and validation-this long-term research commitment could be viewed as flawed from the start,” said SAG Chairman Dr. George Carlos.
“We will not be deterred by those who wish us to hurry our work or practice `science by sound bite’ in the media,” Carlos added.
The $25 million study was initiated by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association in 1993 after a Florida lawsuit sparked a storm of publicity. The plaintiff, David Reynard, has sued GTE Corp., alleging his wife’s cellular phone promoted her fatal brain tumor. The case is still pending.
Reynard’s attorney, personal injury lawyer John Lloyd of St. Petersburg, said he expects a jury to decide, SAG report or not.
“In court, cases have to be decided on the basis of what’s available. When you’re up against a multi-billion dollar industry-which is expanding and consolidating-you can expect some expensive opposition. But from my experience, you can never tell what will happen,” Lloyd said.
The attorney claims the case doesn’t turn on the frequency or length of exposure-how often or how long Susan Reynard talked on the phone-but is concerned with the intensity of exposure.
“We will not be deterred by those who wish us to hurry our work or practice `science by sound bite’ in the media.”
“Microwaves emitted by phones can cause biological changes. It may be a promoter, creating a situation where cancer can grow,” Lloyd said.
One of SAG’s goals is to determine the accuracy of those accusations. During the last two years, SAG has reviewed worldwide research on radiofrequency exposure from wireless communications instruments to identify gaps in existing science.
According to the research agenda, the group will develop RF exposure systems similar to those used in product safety.
Also, current cellular telephone users will be evaluated for diseases, gathering real-life exposure information.
Scientists will seek a way to apply findings from cell and animal studies to human beings who use cellular phones, the report states.
