Non-ionizing Radiation Part 2: Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

Summary of Paper:

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Overall, the Working Group reviewed all available evidence regarding the use of wireless phones, including both mobile and cordless phones, and the risk of glioma. Glioma is a type of brain tumor that originates in the glial cells. Time trends were considered, as were several early case-control studies and one cohort study. The evidence from these prior studies was considered less informative than the results of the INTERPHONE study and the Swedish case-control study. While both of these are susceptible to bias, the Working Group concluded that these findings could not be dismissed as reflecting bias alone and that a causal interpretation was possible. The Working Group also considered the same methodological concerns for acoustic neuroma. An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is most often a benign tumor of the auditory nerve that controls hearing and balance. The Working Group concluded that bias was not sufficient to explain the positive findings.

Link to Paper: Non-ionizing Radiation Part 2: Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

Authors: IARC MONOGRAPH

2011