No evidence mobile phones cause brain cancer – new study

No evidence mobile phones cause brain cancer – new study

A new analysis of research has found no evidence that electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones cause cancer in the brain, head, or neck. The findings offer a preliminary look at the expected conclusions of the World Health Organization (WHO), which commissioned 13 reviews on the health effects of electromagnetic waves in 2019.

The current study is a meta-analysis of 63 articles published in 22 countries between 1994 and 2022. These articles investigated the health effects of exposure to radio frequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). The results showed no correlation between mobile phone use and an increased risk of acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, or gliomas. No correlation was found with salivary and pituitary cancers or leukemia.

The review concluded that the level of risk remained the same regardless of how much a person used their device or whether they had used a mobile phone for long periods, specifically ten or more years.

The nature of RF-EMF radiation

Mobile phones act as low-powered RF-EMF transmitters, sending radio waves to cell towers. They also act as receivers when receiving a text or call. When a phone is turned fully off, it neither transmits nor receives these fields.

These waves are a form of non-ionizing radiation, meaning they sit at the weaker end of the spectrum with the lowest energy and longest wavelength. According to the research, they appear benign and incapable of damaging DNA, causing ionization in the body, or breaking chemical bonds.

While high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, can cause cancer, RF waves do not have enough energy to do so directly. At extremely high levels, RF waves can heat body tissues, but the energy levels from mobile phones are not strong enough to raise body temperatures.

Addressing historical and occupational fears

Public anxiety regarding low-energy radiation is rooted in the Cold War era. This period saw the adoption of televisions and microwave ovens. Public fear was amplified by reports of the Soviets suspected of using electromagnetic signals to target staff at the US embassy in Moscow, where an ambassador developed leukemia.

The new review also addressed other common concerns. It found no evidence linking pediatric brain tumors or childhood leukemia to exposure from fixed-site RF-EMF transmitters, such as broadcasting antennas or cell phone towers. Additionally, fixed workplace RF-EMF transmitters were not associated with an increase in gliomas.

Wael Harb, a board certified medical oncologist and hematologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute, noted that occupational exposure in industrial settings—such as from radar, scanners, or MRI machines—can involve higher intensity and duration. While the research has not demonstrated a significantly different health impact for these workers, Harb said, We need to continue to research. We need to continue to watch and minimize exposure.

Evaluating the evidence

The evidence for brain cancer was given the highest quality rating possible for an observational study. The authors of the summary report pointed out a critical logical marker:

"If there was an increased risk of brain cancer from mobile phone exposures, increases in the incidence would be expected."

Authors of the summary report, via The Conversation

In Australia, the rates of all brain cancer types have remained steady since the 1980s, a period before regular and widespread mobile phone use began.

Despite the positive findings, the review describes the certainty of its conclusions as low-to-moderate. Ken Karipidis, PhD, associate professor and assistant director of the Health Impact Assessment at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), explained that human observational studies are inherently limited because exposure is not controlled. He noted that exposing humans to potential hazards in randomized clinical trials would be unethical.

Looking forward

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) continues to rate mobile phones as possibly carcinogenic because a link cannot be absolutely ruled out. This is supported by some lab animal studies where male rats exposed to high levels of RF radiation for most of their lives showed increases in some brain and adrenal gland cancers, and rare heart tumors. However, expert reviews suggest these results are not directly relevant to human risk.

Recent data from the Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS) project aligns with the new review, finding that those with the most total hours of calls do not have a higher risk of brain tumors compared to light users.

Because technology and frequencies develop rapidly, Karipidis stated it is essential for science to continue to ensure exposure remains safe. The WHO intends to use these reviews to keep exposure guidelines up to date as technology evolves.