4 February 2025A World Health Organization (WHO)-commissioned systematic review finds no association between radio wave exposure and various cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid and oral cavity cancers. This systematic review was led by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s (ARPANSA) Associate Professor Ken Karipidis. This is the second WHO-commissioned systematic review he has led which has looked at the association between mobile phones and cancer. The first systematic review, published last year, looked at the association between mobile phones and brain and other head cancers and found no link. A/Prof Karipidis says the current systematic review assesses all the available evidence on the association between mobile phones, mobile phone towers and occupational exposure to various cancers. ‘We considered all other cancers, but we could only properly assess the association between radio waves and leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid and oral cavity cancers,’ A/Prof Karipidis said. ‘While this systematic review did not find an association between radio wave exposure and various cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid, and oral cavity cancers we can’t be as certain of these results compared to the previous systematic review on brain cancers,’ he said. ‘This is because there is not as much evidence on the association between these cancers and exposure to radio waves from wireless technology. ‘Other cancers have not been researched as extensively over as long a period, and the results have not been replicated by scientists in as many papers compared to studies on brain cancers and mobile phones. ‘As the Australian Government’s primary radiation protection authority, ARPANSA will continue to undertake research and assess all the available scientific evidence that underpins its radio wave exposure standard and public health advice.’ ARPANSA research scientist Rohan Mate also contributed to this study. ‘This systematic review considered over 5000 studies and included 26 studies in the final analysis’ Mr Mate said. ‘Occasionally we get questions from the public about the association between wireless technology and cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. ‘It’s great that we now have this comprehensive review to add to the body of knowledge to inform the public about wireless technology and cancer.’ The WHO is currently preparing an updated assessment on the health effects from radio wave exposure. That assessment, which will be published as an Environmental Health Criterion Monograph, will draw on this systematic review and others commissioned by the WHO. Read a research summary of this systematic review on our website. Access the full journal article in Environment International.
Brief
On 04/02/2025, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency issued an update regarding "New study adds to evidence that mobile phones are not associated with cancer". A WHO-commissioned systematic review found no link between radio wave exposure and various cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid, and oral cavity cancers. The review considered over 5000 studies and supported previous findings on the lack of association between mobile phones and brain cancers.
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Purpose
The World Health Organization (WHO)-commissioned systematic review has found no association between radio wave exposure and various cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid, and oral cavity cancers. This review was conducted to assess the available evidence on the association between mobile phones, mobile phone towers, and occupational exposure to various cancers. The findings of this review are significant in providing comprehensive insights into the relationship between radio wave exposure and cancer risk.
Effects on Industry
The results of this systematic review have far-reaching implications for the telecommunications industry, particularly with regards to the safety standards governing the use of wireless technology. The lack of association between radio wave exposure and various cancers may lead to a re-evaluation of the regulatory framework surrounding mobile phone usage and infrastructure deployment. Telecommunication companies may need to reassess their practices to ensure compliance with updated safety standards.
Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders affected by this update include:
- Telecommunication companies: The findings of this review may influence the development of new safety protocols and guidelines for the industry.
- Mobile phone users: Individuals who use mobile phones regularly may be reassured by the lack of association between radio wave exposure and cancer risk.
- Governments and regulatory bodies: Authorities responsible for setting safety standards for wireless technology may need to update their guidelines in light of this review’s findings.
Next Steps
To comply with or respond to this update, stakeholders should:
- Review updated safety protocols: Telecommunication companies and governments should reassess their safety standards and guidelines in light of this review’s findings.
- Update public health advice: Governments and regulatory bodies may need to revise their public health advice on the use of wireless technology.
- Continue research and monitoring: The WHO is preparing an updated assessment on the health effects from radio wave exposure, which will draw on this systematic review and others commissioned by the organization.
Any Other Relevant Information
- The systematic review was led by Associate Professor Ken Karipidis from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
- The review considered over 5000 studies and included 26 studies in the final analysis.
- The WHO is currently preparing an updated assessment on the health effects from radio wave exposure, which will be published as an Environmental Health Criterion Monograph.
