concerns about the potential health effects of radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones have persisted for decades,prompting ongoing scientific investigation. Now, a thorough review of available studies by France’s ANSES, the national agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety, has concluded there is no evidence linking mobile phone use to cancer-though caution is still advised, particularly for children. The agency’s assessment, released Wednesday, analyzed 250 studies and builds upon previous evaluations from 2013 and 2016, offering a current assessment of a pervasive public health issue as mobile technology evolves with 4G and 5G networks.
Radiofrequency radiation from mobile phone use does not cause cancer, according to a review of available scientific studies by the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES). However, the agency recommends caution when it comes to children’s exposure.
The agency’s assessment focused on radioelectric waves used in communications – including television, radio, and mobile phones – and did not include low-frequency emissions from high-voltage power lines, explained Olivier Merckel, head of the unit for evaluating risks related to physical agents, on Wednesday.
This is a significant public health issue, Merckel noted, as exposure to these waves is widespread and increasing, particularly among young people. Currently, 98% of individuals over the age of 12 use mobile phones, and the technology is constantly evolving with the introduction of 4G and 5G networks.
ANSES reviewed 250 of the most robust and relevant studies – selected from over 1,000 new investigations exploring a potential link between cancer and radiofrequency radiation – building on previous expert assessments conducted in 2013 for adults and 2016 for children.
‘No Evidence of a Link’
The agency concluded that the scientific data “does not establish a causal link between exposure to radio waves and the occurrence of cancer.”
Laboratory studies have shown some alterations to cells, but these changes are temporary. While animal studies also showed “limited evidence of effects” from mobile phone radiation regarding cancer, the more numerous epidemiological studies conducted on humans “provide no evidence of an increased risk of cancer,” Merckel explained.
“By aggregating all the data relating to cellular mechanisms, animal studies, and human studies, our conclusion is that they do not lead to establishing a causal link between exposure to radio waves and cancer,” Merckel stated. “Even if we shouldn’t forget the small signals of effects observed in laboratory studies.”
ANSES acknowledges that “future research may yield new findings” and maintains its recommendations for precautionary measures, especially for children.
“Using your phone in areas with good reception, using a hands-free kit, or the speakerphone – all of these methods increase the distance between the phone and the body, which significantly reduces exposure,” Merckel advised.
/ATS
