Non-ionizing radiation as possible carcinogen (Review)
Abstract
Non-ionizing radiation as possible carcinogen (Review) Gupta S, Sharma RS, Singh R. Non-ionizing radiation as possible carcinogen. Int J Environ Health Res. 2022;32(4):916-940. doi:10.1080/09603123.2020.1806212. Abstract The advent of wireless technologies has revolutionized the way we communicate. The steady upsurge in the use of mobile phone all over the world in the last two decades, while triggered economic growth, has caused substantial damage to the environment, both directly and indirectly. The electromagnetic radiation generated from mobile phones, radio-based stations, and phone towers, high-voltage power lines have been reported which leads to the variety of health scares such as the risk of cancer in human beings and adverse effects in animals, birds, etc. Though the usage of such radiation emitting from mobile phones has risen steeply, there is a lack of proper knowledge about the associated risks. The review provides the latest research evidence based both on in vitro studies, in vivo studies, and possible gaps in our knowledge. Moreover, the present review also summarizes available literature in this subject, reports and studies which will help to form guidelines for its exposure limits to the public. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Conclusion In conclusion, the results of the investigations were inconclusive, and in fact, indicated little or no association between the exposure to RFR with that of radiation and cancer. But NTP reported that RFR causes cancer in experimental animals. Nevertheless, it should also be pointed out in several epidemiological studies where weak association between carcinogenicity and RFR was observed. All the more reasons that the effects and the risk associated with the exposure to mobile phones were not consistent and didn’t show any regular pattern. Studies on the exposure in children were also very limited. This discussion was intended to answer whether there’s a health risk involved with the use of mobile phones, but at this stage, the review has not all the answers. The good thing is, several researchers are working on this field, and with more studies we’ll surely get better clarity on the subject. Although there’s little doubt of the risks involved with mobile phone usage, and therefore, this review indicates that precautions are needed while using mobile phones. Although the available evidences do not provide a link between the exposure to RFR and microwave radiation and its effect on human health, at this moment, it’s not possible to state otherwise as well. In the case of cancer, only the studies that were conducted for more extended period of time able to indicate any association between the use of mobile phone and cancer, especially brain cancer. The above studies suggested that GSM operated mobile phones have significant effect in comparison to CDMA operated mobile phones. As mobile phones have become an integral part of our everyday life, and so, it’s even more critical today to study their effects on the human body. To conclude, it’s time for government agencies and concerned bodies to understand the potentially harmful effects of RFR and to consider preventive actions like use of good phone brands keeping health and safety at priorities, use of Bluetooth (hands-free devices) and mobile phones having minimum SAR value. Animal studies for longer period of time are needed to execute for the probable health effects. There are no useful data available regarding RF; thus only data suggest a health risk associated with RF so far and the research is still shapeless, about both the amount and quality of available data. Thus, it’s not possible to draw any conclusions yet and we must wait for future results.
AI evidence extraction
Main findings
This narrative review summarizes in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological literature on non-ionizing radiation (including radiofrequency radiation) and cancer. The authors describe the overall evidence as inconclusive, noting little or no association in many investigations, while also citing the NTP animal findings and some epidemiological studies reporting weak associations. The review concludes that evidence is inconsistent and limited in some areas (e.g., children), and argues for precautionary measures and further long-term studies.
Outcomes measured
- Cancer risk (including brain cancer)
- Adverse effects in animals and birds (general)
Limitations
- Review methods (e.g., search strategy, inclusion criteria) are not described in the provided abstract.
- Specific exposure metrics (frequency, SAR, duration) are not provided in the abstract.
- The abstract characterizes the evidence as inconsistent/inconclusive, limiting firm conclusions.
- Limited data in children are noted by the authors.
Suggested hubs
-
cell-phones
(0.95) Focuses on mobile phone radiofrequency radiation and health/cancer risk.
-
power-lines
(0.4) Mentions high-voltage power lines as a non-ionizing radiation source.
View raw extracted JSON
{
"publication_year": 2022,
"study_type": "review",
"exposure": {
"band": "RF",
"source": "mobile phone, base station, phone tower, high-voltage power lines",
"frequency_mhz": null,
"sar_wkg": null,
"duration": null
},
"population": null,
"sample_size": null,
"outcomes": [
"Cancer risk (including brain cancer)",
"Adverse effects in animals and birds (general)"
],
"main_findings": "This narrative review summarizes in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological literature on non-ionizing radiation (including radiofrequency radiation) and cancer. The authors describe the overall evidence as inconclusive, noting little or no association in many investigations, while also citing the NTP animal findings and some epidemiological studies reporting weak associations. The review concludes that evidence is inconsistent and limited in some areas (e.g., children), and argues for precautionary measures and further long-term studies.",
"effect_direction": "mixed",
"limitations": [
"Review methods (e.g., search strategy, inclusion criteria) are not described in the provided abstract.",
"Specific exposure metrics (frequency, SAR, duration) are not provided in the abstract.",
"The abstract characterizes the evidence as inconsistent/inconclusive, limiting firm conclusions.",
"Limited data in children are noted by the authors."
],
"evidence_strength": "low",
"confidence": 0.66000000000000003108624468950438313186168670654296875,
"peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
"stance": "concern",
"stance_confidence": 0.6999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
"summary": "This review discusses research on non-ionizing radiation exposures (notably radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones and related infrastructure) and potential carcinogenicity. It characterizes the overall evidence as inconclusive, with many studies indicating little or no association, but highlights NTP animal findings and some epidemiological reports of weak associations. The authors emphasize inconsistency across studies, limited evidence in children, and recommend precautionary actions alongside more long-term research.",
"key_points": [
"The review covers non-ionizing radiation sources including mobile phones, base stations/towers, and high-voltage power lines.",
"The authors state that many investigations show little or no association between radiofrequency exposure and cancer.",
"The review cites NTP experimental animal results as reporting cancer with radiofrequency radiation exposure.",
"It notes that some epidemiological studies observed weak associations between radiofrequency exposure and carcinogenicity.",
"The authors report that findings across studies are inconsistent and do not show a regular pattern.",
"Evidence in children is described as very limited.",
"The review recommends precautionary measures (e.g., hands-free use, lower SAR phones) and calls for more long-term animal and human studies."
],
"categories": [
"Health Effects",
"Cancer",
"Radiofrequency (RF)",
"Mobile Phones"
],
"tags": [
"Non-Ionizing Radiation",
"Radiofrequency Radiation",
"Mobile Phones",
"Base Stations",
"Cell Towers",
"Power Lines",
"Cancer Risk",
"Brain Cancer",
"Epidemiology",
"Animal Studies",
"In Vitro Studies",
"Precautionary Principle",
"Specific Absorption Rate"
],
"keywords": [
"non-ionizing radiation",
"radiofrequency radiation",
"mobile phone",
"base station",
"tower",
"power lines",
"cancer",
"brain cancer",
"NTP",
"SAR",
"children"
],
"suggested_hubs": [
{
"slug": "cell-phones",
"weight": 0.9499999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
"reason": "Focuses on mobile phone radiofrequency radiation and health/cancer risk."
},
{
"slug": "power-lines",
"weight": 0.40000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
"reason": "Mentions high-voltage power lines as a non-ionizing radiation source."
}
],
"social": {
"tweet": "Review: Evidence on non-ionizing/RF radiation and cancer is described as inconclusive overall, with many studies showing little/no association, but NTP animal findings and some weak epidemiologic links noted; authors call for more long-term research and precautionary use of mobile phones.",
"facebook": "A review of non-ionizing (including RF) radiation literature reports overall inconclusive evidence for cancer risk, while noting NTP animal findings and some weak epidemiological associations. The authors highlight inconsistent results, limited data in children, and recommend further long-term studies and precautionary phone-use practices.",
"linkedin": "This review summarizes in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological evidence on non-ionizing/RF radiation (e.g., mobile phones, towers, power lines) and cancer. It concludes the evidence is inconsistent and largely inconclusive, while noting NTP animal findings and some weak epidemiologic associations, and calls for more long-term research and precautionary measures."
}
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.
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