Cellphones were classified as Group 2B possible carcinogens in the 2011 International Agency for Research on Cancer, based in evidence showing that EMF radiation from cell phones can trigger abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Just as smoking, as it turns out this may have been a mistake and it should be recategorized into 1A carcinogen. This change would be based on findings from two published government funded animal studies that further support cellphone radiation has clear carcinogenic potential.
Reports of these two studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program were preliminarily released early in 2018 which significantly downplayed findings with subsequent peer review upgrading the findings of risk; and finalized reports were released November 2018. The lowest level of radiation in the federal study used was equal to the maximum exposure that federal regulations allow for cellphone users; highest level was four times higher than the permitted maximum.
The National Toxicology Program rates cancer risk using 4 categories: Highest = clear evidence; Medium= some or equivocal evidence; and Lowest = no evidence. Their final report on both studies done animals of both sexes found 6.
- Clear evidence for heart tumors, malignant schwannomas, in male rats. These types of tumors started developing around week 70, and are very similar to acoustic neuromas found in humans linked to cellphone use.
- Some evidence of brain tumors, malignant gliomas, in male rats. Glial cell hyperplasias are indicative of precancerous lesions, and began developing around week 58.
- Some evidence of adrenal gland tumors in male rats, both benign and malignant tumors and/or complex combined pheochromocytoma
- Equivocal or unclear evidence of tumors in female rats and mice of both genders
The studies also found evidence of:
- Low body weight in female rats and newborns exposed to high levels of radiation during pregnancy and lactation
- DNA damage and damage to heart tissue in exposed male and female rats, but not mice
- Prostate, liver and pancreatic tumors in both rats and mice
Incidence of glioblastoma multiforme more than doubled in the U.K. between 1995 and 2015, according to the authors of the analysis, the dramatic increase is likely due to “widespread environmental or lifestyle factors,” which would include cellphone and mobile device usage.
Although the NTP insists that the exposure of 9 hours a day for 2 years is more extensive than that of a heavy cellphone user many would very strongly disagree. Especially those with children, teens, or any of the younger generations that seem to be surgically attached to their mobile devices 24/7/52; many of which sleep with their devices under their pillow. Added to that cellphones are not the only source of RF EMFs, one must take into account Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tablets, computers, laptops, smart TVs, wireless baby monitors, cordless phones, smart appliances, smart meters, and don’t forget nearby cellular phone base stations and towers which are sources of similarly harmful radiation. Most of us are exposed 24/7, taking this into account duration of RF EMF exposure is actually greater that what was tested for in the study, depending on the person it could actually be far greater.
While these studies used RF levels comparable to 2G and 3G cellphones another study simulated exposure to cellphone towers. Ramazzini’s rats were exposed to 1.8 GHz GSM radiation at electric field strengths of 5, 25 and 50 volts per meter40 for 19 hours a day, starting at birth until the rats died either from age or illness; converting measurements to watts per kilogram of body weight. Radiation dose administered in this study was up to 1,000 times lower than the NTP’s, and below the U.S. limits set by the FCC, yet it produced similar results.
What is more alarming about these study findings is that they were conducted using 2-3G technology that is now outdated. We now use 4G, and with 5G launching which was untested, what could possibly be instore, it is currently unknown, and to be honest frightening.
Despite the final reports being given to the US Food and Drug Administration and FCC the agencies are unwilling to change their stance on cellphone safety, believing existing safety limits remain acceptable for protecting public health. This should come as no surprise as the telecommunication industry has more political lobbying influence than that of Big Pharma and Big Food combined.
