Epidemiological studies of radio frequency exposures and human cancer

Abstract

Epidemiological studies of radio frequency (RF) exposures and human cancers include studies of military and civilian occupational groups, people who live near television and radio transmitters, and users of mobile phones. Many types of cancer have been assessed, with particular attention given to leukemia and brain tumors. The epidemiological results fall short of the strength and consistency of evidence that is required to come to a conclusion that RF emissions are a cause of human cancer. Although the epidemiological evidence in total suggests no increased risk of cancer, the results cannot be unequivocally interpreted in terms of cause and effect. The results are inconsistent, and most studies are limited by lack of detail on actual exposures, short follow-up periods, and the limited ability to deal with other relevant factors. In some studies, there may be substantial biases in the data used. For these same reasons, the studies are unable to confidently exclude any possibility of an increased risk of cancer. Further research to clarify the situation is justified. Priorities include further studies of leukemia in both adults and children, and of cranial tumors in relationship to mobile phone use.

Cell Phone Radiations Affect Early Growth of Vigna radiata (Mung Bean) through Biochemical Alterations

“…These technologies are continuously emitting a wide range of radiations (300 MHz−300 GHz) and include extremely low-frequency sources such as power lines and appliances, as well as high-frequency sources like radio, television, and more recently cell phones and their antennas (Elwood, 2003). Among these, mobile phones or cell phones are used indiscriminately and have become an integral part of modern telecommunications as they provide a continuous communication without any hindrance to movement of people.…”

Biological indicators in response to radiofrequency/microwave exposure

“…Alternating electric fi elds have a wide range of effects on living systems. At extremely low frequencies, electric fields stimulate excitable tissues through membrane depolarisation, stimulate bone growth, and accelerate fracture healing (60)(61)(62)(63). As the electric field frequency increases, the stimulatory effect disappears, ending in the so-called thermal effect, when tissue heating becomes a dominant event (64).…”

Establishing the health risks of exposure to radiofrequency fields requires multidisciplinary research

“…In this issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, Lahkola et al (4) presents a meta-analysis of recent epidemiologic investigations on human exposure to mobile phone frequencies. While the epidemiologic evidence does not give consistent results that would indicate a causal role for RF exposure with respect to brain cancers, it does not establish the absence of any hazard either (5). The main limitation of previous studies is that none of them provide reliable information on individual levels of exposure, and hence expert assessments of RF exposure should be included in future epidemiologic investigations.…”