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Health and Safety Information 85
Very high levels of electromagnetic energy, such as is found in X-rays and
gamma rays, can ionize biological tissues. Ionization is a process where
electrons are stripped away from their normal locations in atoms and
molecules. It can permanently damage biological tissues including DNA, the
genetic material.
The energy levels associated with radio frequency energy, including both radio
waves and microwaves, are not great enough to cause ionization of atoms and
molecules. Therefore, RF energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Other types
of non-ionizing radiation include visible light, infrared radiation (heat), and other
forms of electromagnetic radiation with relatively low frequencies.
While RF energy does not ionize particles, large amounts can increase body
temperatures and cause tissue damage. Two areas of the body, the eyes and
the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF heating because there is relatively
little blood flow in them to carry away excess heat.
Research Results to Date: Is there a connection between RF and certain
health problems?
The results of most studies conducted to date say no. In addition, attempts to
replicate and confirm the few studies that have shown a connection have failed.
The scientific community at large therefore believes that the weight of scientific
evidence does not show an association between exposure to Radio Frequency
(RF) from cell phones and adverse health outcomes. Still the scientific
community has supported additional research to address gaps in knowledge.
Some of these studies are described below.
Interphone Study
Interphone is a large international study designed to determine whether cell
phones increase the risk of head and neck cancer. A report published in the
International Journal of Epidemiology (June, 2010) compared cell phone usage
for more than 5,000 people with brain tumors (glioma and meningioma) and a
similar number of healthy controls.