Factors that influence the radiofrequency power output of GSM mobile phones.

Epidemiological studies of mobile phone use and risk of brain cancer have relied on self-reported use, years as a subscriber, and billing records as exposure surrogates without addressing the level of radiofrequency (RF) power output. The objective of this study was to measure environmental, behavioral and engineering factors affecting the RF power output of GSM mobile phones during operation. We estimated the RF-field exposure of volunteer subjects who made mobile phone calls using software-modified phones (SMPs) that recorded output power settings.

Accounting for human variability and sensitivity in setting standards for electromagnetic fields.

Biological sensitivity and variability are key issues for risk assessment and standard setting. Variability encompasses general inter-individual variations in population responses, while sensitivity relates to unusual or extreme responses based on genetic, congenital, medical, or environmental conditions. For risk assessment and standard setting, these factors affect estimates of thresholds for effects and dose-response relationships and inform efforts to protect the more sensitive members of the population, not just the typical or average person.

Epidemiologic evidence for assessing the carcinogenicity of acrylamide.

Acrylamide (ACM) has recently been found in fried and baked foods, suggesting widespread public exposure. ACM is an industrial chemical that causes neurotoxicity in humans and an increase in benign tumors of the endocrine system of laboratory rats. The U.