The Science on Cellphone Radiation

Larry A. Law

It shouldn't surprise anyone, but Big Tech plays by the same rules as Big Pharma and Big Tobacco. Despite a $30 million "gold standard" study demonstrating clear cancer risks from cellphone radiation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the telecom industry continue to spin the science to create doubt. The FDA claims there is not enough scientific evidence to link cellphone use to health problems. But the FDA's claim is untrue and misleading according to Devra Davis, Ph.D., MPH, a toxicologist and epidemiologist and author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications in books and journals. She is the founding director of the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology of the U.S. National Research Council at the National Academy of Sciences. She is also the founder and president of Environmental Health Trust—clearly someone with the background to expose the hidden truth. 

National Toxicology Program (NTP) Cellphone Study on Radiation Suppressed

​In the study, NTP researchers pointed out that there was "clear evidence" that male rats exposed to high levels of RF (radio frequencies) like that used in the older 2G and 3G cellphones developed cancerous heart tumors and "some evidence" of tumors in the brain and adrenal glands. The evidence was so strong that experts recommended the NTP reclassify some of its conclusions from "some evidence" to "clear evidence" of carcinogenic activity. However, when the experts released their recommendations, the FDA rejected and repudiated the study and in February 2020, released an unsigned literature review that criticized the NTP study. Of course, since the FDA literature review was anonymous, there was no one accountable for maligning the study. This is typical of the approach used by those who lie, smear, and retreat—no one will look bad when the truth finally comes out. 

The experts were flabbergasted and unsuccessfully challenged the FDA. Environmental Health Trust wrote a 188-page report on the FDA's inaccuracies and failure to uphold the scientific results. According to Davis, the telecom industry has for decades influenced governmental agencies like the FDA, to "manufacture doubt" about scientific studies that do not benefit them.  Davis was not alone in arguing against the FDA's rejection of the NTP study. More than 20 scientists wrote a letter calling on the FDA to retract the literature review. 

Independent Witnesses

Davis is the author of a 2010 book, Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Is Doing to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family. Davis says many of the experts she speaks with privately are very concerned. More than 250 scientists signed the International EMF Scientist Appeal, which calls for health warnings and stronger exposure limits. These premier scientists have, all together, published more than 2,000 papers and letters on biologic and health-effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by wireless devices, including cellphones.

Microwave Syndrome

This syndrome refers to sensitivity and symptoms caused by environmental microwave radiation. This type of radiation is used to heat food in microwave ovens, but is most prevalent in our ubiquitous cellphone environment. Cell phone towers, Wi-Fi modems, smart wearables, home electricity power meter monitors, and smart home appliances continuously emit these waves 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Symptoms can include insomnia, headaches, fatigue, stress, pain, and skin rashes. Microwave radiation health effects have been debated for a long time and there are many industry-funded studies concluding that there is no link between exposure and health. Randomized human studies are lacking because of ethical considerations involved in doing tests of this type on humans. But there are significant animal studies suggesting potentially harmful biological effects. A 2019 UK report observing 435,000 UK residents determined that up to 30% of the population had mild sensitivities, about 3% had moderate sensitivities, and nearly 2% were severely sensitive. Researchers noted that Wi-Fi use in schools has raised concerns about children's health. Growing children are more susceptible to this type of radiation. As the technology moves from 4G to 5G antennas, more people are experiencing symptoms in their home. Microwave syndrome varies from person to person. Some people appear to tolerate EMF more than others, but studies indicate that women and children are most susceptible to developing EMF sensitivity. Individuals with chronic disease and compromised immune systems are also at increased risk. Since the symptoms mirror so many other illnesses, it is difficult to zero in on the true culprit without further specific studies, which the telecom industry is loath to perform. 

Reduce Environmental Pollutants

Taking steps to reduce EMF exposure can especially help address health challenges of those most sensitive. A few suggestions include: 1) turn off Wi-Fi, smart devices, and switch to airplane mode while sleeping; 2) Use wired connections (like Ethernet modems instead of Wi-Fi modems) to connect to the internet; 3) Keep a clean living environment as EMF sensitivity can be exacerbated by mold, chemical sensitivity, and heavy metal toxicity; 4) Use an EMF meter to gauge where and what frequencies you seem most sensitive to and need to minimize; 5) Eat a primarily plant-based diet (at least 70%) and supplement with plant-based ingredients to ensure you are getting the antioxidants needed to neutralize oxidative stress caused by EMF in your body.