Sharpened Cell Phone Science is a Wake-up Call

The science linking radiation from wireless devices to cancer is now sharper, with a comprehensive review published September 6th, 2018 in Environmental Research. Lead author Canadian epidemiologist Dr. Anthony Miller stated, “With the epidemiological studies of humans over many years and the recent findings of the US National Toxicology Program and Ramazzini Institute animal studies, we now have enough evidence to classify Radiofrequency Radiation as carcinogenic to humans.”

Miller, Professor Emeritus at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, is a long-standing expert, having worked on the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) review of carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, and the most recent report of health effects of radiofrequency radiation by the Royal Society of Canada.

“This level of certainty that current levels cause cancer is a huge wake-up call, for least-risky approaches to minimize exposure to radiofrequency radiation,” said Meg Sears, Chair of Prevent Cancer Now. “This should trigger science review of Health Canada’s exposure limits, and interim precautionary advice particularly to protect the young.” Sears continued, “New, higher frequency 5G rollout should be paused until merits and needs are demonstrated, health effects are understood and alternatives are reviewed. Fibre is an advanced choice for rapid, secure, high bandwidth data, without REF.”

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans based on an increased risk for glioma, a brain cancer associated with wireless phone use. The expert working group’s findings are in Monograph 102.

Miller et al. report that since the IARC review, nine studies revealed significantly increased risk of brain cancer with mobile phone use, along with further reports of tumours of the vestibular (acoustic) nerve, salivary glands and meninges (membrane encasing the brain). Other cancers of concern include breast (male and female), testis, leukemia and thyroid.

Animal research complements human studies. Two large studies are also being carried out, by the U.S. National Toxicology Program that has reported on two frequencies in rats and mice, and by the Ramazzini Institute. Results published to date indicate increased cancers of types that are consistent with the human brain cancer and benign tumours of nerves, as well as pre-cancerous lesions and DNA damage.

“These recent reports should not be news – it is scientifically expected that radiofrequency radiation has effects at lower, commonly experienced levels,” said Meg Sears, Chair of Prevent Cancer Now. She notes that microwave radiation alters rates and products of chemical reactions in the laboratory, and biologically this can culminate in cancer and many other adverse outcomes. “ ‘Microwave catalysis’ has been researched and implemented for decades. Health Canada maintains that only heating, as in a microwave oven, can affect cells. At the same time, money is being made accelerating chemistry at low energy levels – by achieving commercially what Health Canada maintains cannot occur.”

Further Information

How can we minimize our exposures?

1. For radiation-free high speed, high bandwidth, as well as security and reliability, use wire and fibre connections as much as possible at home, school and work;
2. Ensure that children use devices only with wireless features off (e.g., “airplane mode”) – download movies and apps first, at home and school;*
3. If wireless use is necessary, buy and use devices that only emit when necessary to transmit information (e.g., “eco” cordless phones and monitors);
4. Keep devices at a distance, particularly away from reproductive organs, foetuses infants, as well as the head:
   · leave it out, or carry in a bag – not in a pocket or undergarment,
   · text instead of talk, or use speaker phone or a physically connected headset;
5. If necessary, use wireless devices when the signal is strong, so that the device does not need to emit a very strong signal in order to connect; and
6. Require pre-market evaluation. For example, halt 5G rollout until merits of unique needs are justified, and health effects are understood and accommodated.

*Rather than Virtual Reality, children deserve a Reality that is Real. Not only does the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend greatly reduced screen times for young children, virtual reality devices have not been assessed for exposure. Recent research demonstrated how children absorb much greater doses of radiofrequency radiation than adults, particularly in the eye and the front of the brain.