IARC CLASSIFIES RADIO FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AS “POSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS”

IARC CLASSIFIES RADIO FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AS
“POSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS”

The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk of glioma, a type of malignant brain cancer1 associated with wireless phone use.

Background In recent years there has been growing concern for possible adverse health effects exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by wireless communication devices. The number of mobile phone subscriptions in the world is estimated at 5 billion.

From May 24 to 31, 2011, a Working Group made up of 31 researchers from 14 countries met at the IARC in Lyon to assess the carcinogenic potential of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. These evaluations will be published in Volume 102 of the IARC Monographs, the fifth volume in this series to study physical agents, after Volume 55 (Solar radiation), Volume 75 and Volume 78 on ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays , neutrons, radionuclides), and Volume 80 on non-ionizing radiation (extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields).

The IARC Monographs Working Group has discussed the possibility that these exposures may induce long-term health effects, and in particular an increased risk of cancer. This possibility has potential implications in areas of public health, particularly for mobile phone users, as their numbers are steadily increasing, especially among young adults and children.

< p>The IARC Monographs Working Group discussed and assessed the available scientific literature on the following exposure categories, all involving exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: ¾ occupational exposure to radar and microwaves; ¾ environmental exposures associated with the transmission of radio and television signals and wireless communications; and ¾ personal exposures associated with the use of wireless telephones.

The Working Group did not quantify this risk; however, a retrospective study of cell phone use (to 2004), showed a 40% increased risk of glioma in the heaviest users (reported average: 30 minutes per day over a 10-year period).

Conclusions Dr. Jonathan Samet (University of Southern California, USA), Chairman of the Working Group, indicated that "the data, which are constantly accumulating, are sufficient to conclude on the classification in 2B . This classification means that there could be a risk, and therefore the possible link between mobile phones and the risk of cancer should be closely monitored."

"Given the implications of this classification and these findings for public health, it is crucial that further research be conducted on the long-term heavy use of mobile phones," said IARC Director Christopher Wild. "Until such information is available, it is important to take practical steps to reduce exposure.

The Task Force considered hundreds of scientific articles; the complete list will be published in the Monograph It should be noted that several recent scientific articles4 resulting from the Interphone study and not yet published, but accepted for publication, were made available to the Working Group shortly before the meeting, and included in the assessment A report concise summary of the main conclusions of the IARC Working Group and assessments of the carcinogenic risk of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (including the use of mobile phones) will be published in The Lancet Oncology in its July 1 issue, and posted online in a few days.

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