A review conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found no evidence suggesting a link between mobile phone use and an increased risk of developing brain cancer. This review encompassed research from 22 different countries and included studies on various aspects of mobile phone use and exposure to radio frequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phones, workplace equipment, and cell towers. The review found no correlation between mobile phone use and the development of brain and pituitary cancers or leukemia in adults or children.
Mobile phones themselves are low-powered RF-EMF transmitters, transmitting radio waves to their destinations through fixed antennas such as cell towers. The review suggests that these waves are benign and incapable of causing harm to our bodies, DNA, or chemical bonds. The WHO review also found no evidence linking exposure from fixed-site RF-EMF transmitters, workplace transmitters, or broadcasting antennas to an increased risk of childhood leukemia or pediatric brain tumors. However, the quality of the conclusions drawn by the studies included in the review is described as being of low-to-moderate certainty.
While the review concluded that there was no significant association between RF-EMF exposure and brain cancer, it emphasized the importance of continuing research to ensure that radio wave exposure remains safe, especially as technology evolves and new frequencies are used. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously rated mobile phones as “possibly carcinogenic,” indicating that there is still uncertainty about any potential link between mobile phone use and cancer. The findings of the review align with the preliminary findings of the COSMOS project, which explores the long-term health effects of wireless communication technologies and found no increased risk of developing a brain tumor in heavy mobile phone users.
Although many people are exposed to RF-EMF from mobile phones throughout the day, those with workplace exposure, such as healthcare workers using MRI machines, may have more consistent exposure to RF-EMF. Studies on occupational exposure to RF-EMF have not demonstrated a significantly different health impact, and most have not found any increased risk of brain cancer or other neoplasms associated with this type of exposure. However, the intensity and duration of exposure in the workplace remain a concern. Continued research, monitoring, and efforts to minimize exposure are essential to ensure the safety of individuals exposed to RF-EMF from workplace equipment.
In conclusion, the WHO review found no evidence to support the idea that mobile phone use increases the risk of developing brain cancer. While the review acknowledged the limitations of observational studies and the need for further research, it emphasized that the current evidence does not suggest a significant association between RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones, workplace equipment, or broadcasting antennas and an increased risk of brain cancer or other neoplasms. Continued research is necessary to monitor the evolving use of radio waves and ensure the safety of individuals exposed to RF-EMF in various settings.
