A report to the European Parliament concludes that research shows that microwave radiation
from mobile phones is likely to cause cancer, and that it is quite clear that the radiation
damages men's fertility and possibly women's reproductive capacity.
The report by researchers Fiorella Belpoggi and her colleagues at the prestigious Ramazzini
Institute in Italy is dated July 2021. The researchers have reviewed and assessed all research
on cancer effects and reproductive effects done since 2011 when the IARC classified mobile
phone radiation as "possibly carcinogenic". The starting point has been the ongoing expansion of 5G.
In a total search of the databases PubMed and EMF Portal, the researchers found 7,866 scientific
articles in the research area examined. The researchers have also divided the results into two
different frequency ranges that 5G will use:
1. Lower frequencies 450-6000 MHz. In addition to 5G, these frequencies are also used for
4G, 3G, 2G, WiFi, Bluetooth and more.
2. Higher frequencies 24-100 GHz. These frequencies will mainly be used within a few years for 5G.
They are also called millimeter waves.
Overall, the report draws the following conclusions regarding radiation from 5G and previous
generations of mobile phone systems:
Cancer
1. 450 - 6000 MHz: These frequencies are probably carcinogenic to humans.
2. 24-100 GHz: No adequate studies have been performed on these higher frequencies used for 5G.
Reproductive effects and developmental disorders
1. 450-6000 MH: Clear evidence of effects on male fertility. Possible effect on female fertility.
Possible impact on fetal development and newborns.
2. 24 GHz-100 GHz: No adequate studies have been performed on these higher frequencies used for 5G.
The researchers highlight the fact that since the IARC classified cancer radiation as "possibly
carcinogenic" in 2011, two large animal experiments conducted at NTP (USA) and Ramazzini Institute
(Italy) have both shown that mobile radiation causes cancer. The NTP study used effects that apply
to mobile phones and the Ramazzini Institute exposed the animals to effects that are allowed in Sweden
and many other countries from base stations. Both studies showed that the radiation caused an increased
incidence of tumors corresponding to the auditory nerve tumor and the brain tumor glioma.
The Ramazzini study published in 2018 drew the following conclusions:
”The RI findings on far field exposure to RFR are consistent with and reinforce the results of the NTP
study on near field exposure, as both reported an increase in the incidence of tumors of the brain and
heart in RFR-exposed Sprague-Dawley rats. These tumors are of the same histotype of those observed in
some epidemiological studies on cell phone users. These experimental studies provide sufficient evidence
to call for the re-evaluation of IARC conclusions regarding the carcinogenic potential of RFR in humans.”
In the light of the above conclusions, the research group recommends measures according to the list below:
1. Develop safer mobile phones that emit less radiation and can only be used at a certain distance from the body.
2. Reconsider current ICNIRP reference values that have been shown to be insufficient to protect against cancer
and reproductive effects.
3. Take steps to reduce exposure in general. Prioritize fiber and cable connection. Introduce areas free from
mobile radiation according to the same principle as smoke-free zones to protect against passive exposure and
protect those parts of the population that are particularly sensitive.
4. Research the effects of higher frequencies 6-100 GHz before introducing them as part of 5G. Effects on wildlife
and on humans should be studied. If technology that uses these higher frequencies is introduced without prior
research on potentially harmful effects, this means that an experiment will be carried out on the population
and on the environment, the consequences of which are completely unknown.
5. Promote information campaigns about the risks and benefits of 5G.
