Do Cell Phone Towers Cause Cancer?
The potential link between cell phone towers and cancer has been a topic of ongoing debate, both in the scientific world and in the broader community. This debate picked up especially a few years ago, following the worldwide adoption of the 5G standard of wireless communication.
Interestingly, while the scientific evidence points to the conclusion that cell phones and wireless transmission are safe, public concern about the adverse effects of cell towers is rising. A study from France indicated that the percentage of people who believed living near a cell phone tower increases the risk of cancer increased from 48.5% in 2005 to 68.9% in 2010 [1].
Radiofrequency Waves and Cancer
Cell phone towers emit a type of radiation called radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), which is a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. Non-ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules.
Studies that investigated the possible links between RF-EMF largely indicate that exposure to levels of radiation at levels consistent with cell phone usage is safe. A nationwide cohort study conducted in Denmark found no increased risk of cancers in the nervous system or leukemias among cell phone users. In fact, the study concluded a decreased standardized incidence ratio of 0.89, indicating that the radiation is safe (a ratio of over 1 would indicate a causal relationship) [2, 3]. Other studies corroborated these conclusions, detecting cancers only at extremely high levels [4].
However, it is important to note that some animal studies suggested potential adverse effects. A study on mice attempted to establish an effect based on observing a higher number of tumors in mice exposed to RF-EMF. However, there was no clear dose-response effect detected [5].
Electromagnetic Radiation and Cancer
As RF-EMF is a type of electromagnetic radiation, let us review electromagnetic radiation itself and its connection to cancer. Again, some studies suggest a potential link, whereas other studies did not conclude a clear association.
Some studies on electrical workers established a risk from low-frequency electromagnetic fields, such as those generated by alternating current. This evidence is strongest for cancers of the brain and central nervous system. Additional evidence suggests an increased risk for melanoma (a type of skin cancer) and leukemia (blood cancer) in electrical workers [6].
This may be a consequence of a mechanism where non-ionizing radiation induces free radical damage, which interferes with the redox (oxidation-reduction) balance within the cell leading to oxidative stress. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules containing a free electron, which enter bonds with extremely high affinity. This can lead to damage to the cell, including DNA mutations. Oxidative stress is a state where the cell cannot balance reactive oxygen species (including free radicals) with antioxidants. This can disrupt the cellular processes in a way that may lead to cancer [3, 4, 5].
Electromagnetic Radiation and Cancer: Contradictory Evidence
It is important to note that several studies did not find a link between electromagnetic radiation and cancer. For instance, a review of a high volume of scientific literature did not demonstrate a direct linkage between electromagnetic radiation and the occurrence of malignant tumors [7].
Consequently, the International Agency for Cancer Research classified electromagnetic radiation as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," indicating that more research is needed to establish a link [8].
The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified EMFs as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," but this classification is based on limited evidence and the results of studies have been conflicting [8].
What Type of Radiation Can Cause Cancer?
While the evidence for the role of non-ionizing radiation in the development of cancer is inconclusive, the role of ionizing radiation in cancer has been well established. Ionizing radiation is powerful enough to remove electrons from molecules and is a risk factor for the development of both benign and malignant tumors [9, 10].
Multiple robust studies describe a mechanism of this radiation leading to DNA damage within cells via free radicals and other oxidative stresses, leading to mutations in the DNA potentially leading to cancer [10]. This radiation can come from various sources. For example, ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a type of ionizing radiation, associated with the development of skin cancers.
Ionizing radiation has been linked to leukemia, lymphoma, breast, brain, and thyroid cancers [11]. Other cancers associated with radiation exposure include those of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, peritoneum, larynx, lung, pleura, bone and connective tissue, skin, ovary, testis, and thyroid [12].
Interestingly, as ionizing radiation causes damage to cells, it also can be used in the form of radiotherapy to kill cancer cells.
