No health effects from radiation from mobile phones or wireless networks can be documented
Research findings
|Published
A comprehensive review from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) shows that electromagnetic fields from mobile phones or wireless networks do not cause adverse health effects.
The NIPH has undertaken an extensive review of the global scientific literature to assess whether electromagnetic fields can give rise to adverse health effects such as cancer, reduced fertility, or pain or discomfort.
- Read Low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (100 kHz–300 GHz) and health effects – an umbrella review (in Norwegian, but with key messages and summary also in English - fhi.no)
“An overall assessment of the evidence shows that there are no health effects from electromagnetic fields for users of mobile phones and other wireless communication technologies. The environmental exposure is also very low, and the likelihood of health effects from exposure originating from mobile phone base stations and TV or radio transmitters is low,” says Ragnar Hovland, Director of the Department of Chemical Toxicology at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
The report confirms and strengthens the conclusions from NIPH’s previous review of research in this field published in 2012. Since then, wireless technology has developed rapidly and has raised new questions. The observation period for potential health effects has also increased, and research in this area has been extensive. The purpose of the report was to assess whether new knowledge has emerged regarding possible health risks associated with current use of wireless communication technologies, based on research published after 2012.
A wide range of health outcomes examined
The review concerns low‑level, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields below the established exposure limits. Such fields are emitted from mobile phones, wireless networks and base stations. The exposure limits are set by the International Commission on Non‑Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
The NIPH has specifically examined whether there is evidence of adverse health effects such as tumors in the brain or elsewhere in the body, reduced fertility in women and men, developmental disorders, cognitive effects in children and adults, and self‑reported symptoms such as pain, discomfort and hypersensitivity.
Research in humans, animals and cells
The scientific literature reviewed includes studies conducted in humans, animals and cells.
“No clear health effects have been identified from exposure to electromagnetic fields below the exposure limits. This is consistent with several public assessments, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), SCHEER (Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks), the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and assessments from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the Netherlands,” says Ragnar Hovland.
“We therefore conclude that there is no scientific basis for lowering the current exposure limits or for implementing specific measures to reduce exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields,” Hovland adds.
The report Low‑level radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (100 kHz–300 GHz) and health effects – an umbrella review was commissioned by the Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority and funded by these bodies together with the NIPH. The report was prepared by independent scientific communities at the NIPH.