Introduction
NTP Speaks about Cell Phone Radiation
Cell Phones
Personal (cellular) telecommunications is a rapidly evolving technology that uses radio frequency energy or radiation for mobile communication. Most Americans use cell phones. Given this large number of users, if adverse health effects are shown to be associated with cell phone use, this could potentially be a widespread public health concern. Current scientific evidence has not conclusively linked cell phone use with any adverse health problems in humans, but more research is needed.
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What is NIEHS Doing?
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) headquartered at NIEHS is leading the largest laboratory rodent study to date on cell phone radio frequency. NTP studies will help clarify any potential health hazards from exposure to cell phone radiation. The studies are designed to mimic human exposure and are based on the frequencies and modulations currently in use in the United States.
NTP has worked closely with radiofrequency experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to design highly specialized study facilities to specify and control sources of radiation and to measure their effects on rodents. NTP studies are designed to look at effects in all parts of the body.
On May 27, 2016, NTP released a report, "Report of Partial Findings From the National Toxicology Program Carcinogenesis Studies of Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation in Hsd: Sprague Dawley SD Rats (Whole Body Exposure)," on some important study findings. NTP found low incidences of tumors in the brains and hearts of male rats, but not in female rats. Studies in mice are continuing. The complete results from all the rat and mice studies will be available for peer review and public comment by the end of 2017.
In addition to NTP studies, NIEHS funded researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, to study whether exposure to cell phones in childhood can affect the nervous system.
Further Reading
Stories from the Environmental Factor (NIEHS Newsletter)
- NTP Cell Phone Studies — Experts Recommend Elevated Conclusions (April 2018)
- NTP Releases Rodent Studies on Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation (June 2016)
Printable Fact Sheets
Additional Resources
- Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet - National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Consumer Update on Cell Phones - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Fact Sheet on Mobile Phones - World Health Organization (WHO)
- IARC Classifies Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans - The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer1, associated with wireless phone use.
- NTP Associate Director's Statement(26KB) - Statement for the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Committee on Appropriations; United States Senate; September 14, 2009; Hearing on The Health Effects of Cell Phone Use.
- No Evidence Linking Cell Phone Use to Risk of Brain Tumors - Food and Drug Administration Consumer Update
- Q&A on Cell Phones - Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Summary of Intramural NIH/ Brookhaven National Laboratory Cell Phone Study in JAMA - Cell phones show effect on brain activity most pronounced near the antenna; finding is of unknown clinical significance.
Related Health Topics
Research Links
- Michael Wyde, Mark Cesta, Chad Blystone, Susan Elmore, Paul Foster, Michelle Hooth, Grace Kissling, David Malarkey, Robert Sills, Matthew Stout, Nigel Walker, Kristine Witt, Mary Wolfe, John Bucher. 2016. Report of Partial findings from the National Toxicology Program Carcinogenesis Studies of Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation in Hsd: Sprague Dawley® SD rats (Whole Body Exposure) bioRxiv 055699. [Abstract] [doi:10.1101/055699] [PDF]
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