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biological tissues including DNA, the genetic material.
The energy levels associated with radio frequency energy, including both radio waves and microwaves, are not great enough
to cause ionization of atoms and molecules. Therefore, RF energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Other types of non-ion-
izing radiation include visible light, infrared radiation (heat), and other forms of electromagnetic radiation with relatively low
frequencies.
While RF energy does not ionize particles, large amounts can increase body temperatures and cause tissue damage. Two areas
of the body, the eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF heating because there is relatively little blood flow in
them to carry away excess heat.
Research Results to Date: Is there a connection between RF and certain health problems?
The results of most studies conducted to date say no. In addition, attempts to replicate and confirm the few studies that have
shown a connection have failed.
The scientific community at large therefore believes that the weight of scientific evidence does not show an association
between exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) from cell phones and adverse health outcomes. Still the scientific community has
supported additional research to address gaps in knowledge. Some of these studies are described below.
Interphone Study
Interphone is a large international study designed to determine whether cell phones increase the risk of head and neck cancer.
A report published in the International Journal of Epidemiology (June, 2010) compared cell phone usage for more than 5,000
people with brain tumors (glioma and meningioma) and a similar number of healthy controls.
Results of this study did NOT show that cell phones caused brain cancer. In this study, most people had no increased risk of
brain cancer from using cell phones. For people with the heaviest use of cell phones (an average of more than ½ hour per day,
every day, for over 10 years) the study suggested a slight increase in brain cancer. However, the authors determined that bias-
es and errors prevented any conclusions being drawn from this data. Additional information about Interphone can be found at
http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2010/pdfs/pr200_E.pdf.
114 Health & Safety
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