Some researchers believe there is already enough evidence of harm from long-term, low-level exposure to non-ionizing radiation for the IARC to upgrade the classification to Group 1, a known carcinogen. Researchers began substantial research into the potential link between cellphones and cancer in 2000 in what would become the largest study to compare cancer cases among cellphone users and non-users.
Researchers tracked cancer rates and cell phone use among more than 5,000 people in 13 countries. They found a loose link between the highest exposure rate and glioma. Gliomas were more often found on the same side of the head that people used to talk on the phone.
Even so, the researchers said the connection was not strong enough to conclude that cell phone use caused cancer. In a smaller, more recent study, researchers analyzed data from nearly 2 decades and found that people exposed to high levels of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) over a long period of time were at increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). ), a type of leukemia in adults.
European scientists have also discovered a possible link between EMFs and leukemia in children. In a review of the literature from previous studies, they suggested that between 1.5 and 5% of childhood leukemias can be attributed to ELF-EMF. But they noted the result was inconclusive because EMF monitoring was lacking. They recommended more research and better monitoring.
A review of more than two dozen studies on low-frequency EMFs suggests that these energy fields can cause a variety of neurological and psychiatric problems in humans. people. In one study, researchers found that an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), or short burst of electromagnetic energy, can affect nerve activity in rats.
They suggested that exposure long-term exposure to EMP could be harmful to cognitive abilities and induce a pathology similar to that of Alzheimer's disease. They added that more research is needed. Additionally, tentative research suggests that body tissues and its nervous system may be affected by the heat generated by RF-EMFs. A study in rats and mice suggested that heat from cellphones affected the heating of body tissues and nerve activity. Again, the researchers said more studies were needed.
Another review of research suggested that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields may contribute to neurological cognitive impairment. But since the reported research was done on cells or animals, its findings don't necessarily apply to humans. Most researchers said more studies were needed.
Possible EMF-related symptoms in studies included:
- headache
- shaking
- dizziness
- loss of memory
- loss of concentration
- trouble sleeping
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