Cancer Myth:
Mobile phones and cancer
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Origin of the myth
All radiation causes cancer. It is no surprise that radiation has a bad reputation. High-energy radiation (ionising radiation) - such as x-rays, and (gamma) γ-rays (which are
emitted by nuclear explosions) - has been shown to cause cancer, genetic defects and
weaken the immune system.
It makes sense therefore that the media, and public perception, has extended this bad
reputation to low-energy radiation (non-ionising radiation) – such as extremely-low-frequency (ELF) radiation (electricity), radiofrequency (RF) radiation and microwaves.
Major sources of public concern have been powerlines, mobile phones and their base
stations.[1]
High-energy radiation (ionising radiation) alters (ionises) chemical and molecular bonds
and can damage molecules such as DNA (genetic material in cells). This is the cause
of cancers and genetic defects. Low-energy radiation (non-ionising radiation) does not
have the right frequency or sufficient energy to ionise molecules. There is little basis
for the theory that it can damage DNA.[1]
Concerns have been raised about the normal mobile phone, which has the antenna in
the handset. In these phones, the antenna is very close to the user's head during
normal use of the telephone and there is concern about the level of microwave
emissions to which the brain is being exposed.
Current evidence
Mobile phones
Many studies have been conducted on mobile phone use and its link to cancers of the
head and brain – such as meningioma, glioma and acoustic neuroma. Brain function –
such as changes in cognitive performance or brain activity – has also been examined.
A report by the World Health Organization released in 2006 reviewed research
conducted and found no association between the RF and microwave radiation released
by phones and increased risk of cancer.[2]
The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) programme (an
independent body in the UK) released a report in 2007. The report summarised
research completed by MTHR in the context of international research. MTHR concluded
that there was no evidence for mobile phones increasing cancer in the short term (less
than ten years), or affecting brain function.[3]
A major study on the effects of mobile phones was conducted in Denmark on a
population of 420,095 people. Cancer incidence (number of new cancers) - which is
recorded on a Danish cancer registry was compared in mobile phone users and non-users.
Reports released in 2001 and 2006 showed that the incidence of cancer is not any higher amongst mobile phone users than non users.[4], [5]
Base stations
Mobile phone base stations include radio antennae that communicate with the handsets.
These emit radio frequency (RF) waves at high power levels. The strength of the RF field is
the greatest near its source, and drops off greatly with distance. Hence the antennas are
positioned high up and surrounds are often fenced off. Public access is highly regulated
where field strength may exceed safety limits.[6-8]
The strength of the RF fields must comply with safety limits imposed by the Australian
Communications and Media Authority. These limits are based on the ARPANSA
recommendations. RF signal levels in all areas of public access are within guidelines, by a
factor of 100 or more.[9]
A review by the World Health Organization on the effects of RF fields from base stations
showed no increase in the incidence of cancer in both animals and humans.[8]
Summary
Current scientific evidence suggests that there is no link between mobile phone use or base stations and cancer. However, research to date has not been able to examine the long term effects of mobile phone use, as mobile technology is relatively new. Much like the effects of smoking were not known in the early days of research, the short term data available on mobile phones, base stations and cancer means that the long term effects are not yet known.
The possibility of adverse effects arising from this technology cannot be ruled out, but is
looking less likely as the research accumulates.
References
1. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). Radiation
basics - ionising and non-ionising radiation. 2004 [cited 2008 02/01/2008];
Available from: http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/basics/ion_nonion.cfm.
2. World Health Organization (WHO), What effects do mobile phones have on people's
health?, in Health Evidence Network (HEN). 2006, WHO.
3. Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme (MTHR), Report 2007.
2007, MTHR.
4. Johansen, C., et al., Cellular telephones and cancer--a nationwide cohort study in
Denmark. J Natl Cancer Inst, 2001. 93(3): p. 203-7.
5. Schuz, J., et al., Cellular telephone use and cancer risk: update of a nationwide Danish
cohort. J Natl Cancer Inst, 2006. 98(23): p. 1707-13.
6. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). Are Mobile
Telephone Communication Antennas a Health Hazard? 2007 [cited; Available from:
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/Factsheets/is_antenna.cfm.
7. World Health Organization (WHO). Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile
telephones and their base stations. 2000 [cited 2008 02/01/2008]; Available from:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs193/en/.
8. World Health Organization (WHO). Electromagnetic fields and public health. 2006
[cited 2008 02/01/2008]; Available from:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/index.html.
9. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). Mobile
Telephones and Health Effects. 2007 [cited; Available from:
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/mobilephones/index.cfm.
