The Effect of Continuous Low-Intensity Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Radio Base Stations to Cancer Mortality in Brazil

Authors: Nádia Cristina Pinheiro Rodrigues, Adilza Condessa Dode, Mônica Kramer de Noronha Andrade, Gisele O'Dwyer, Denise Leite Maia Monteiro, Inês Nascimento Carvalho Reis, Roberto Pinheiro Rodrigues, Vera Cecília Frossard, Valéria Teresa Saraiva Lino

Year: 2021 Jan 29

Category: Public Health

Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health

Institution: Int J Environ Res Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031229

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/3/1229

Abstract

Abstract of the Study

Overview

This study seeks to reveal the impact of electromagnetic field exposure from Radio Base Stations (RBS) on cancer mortality in Brazil, with a focus on specific cancers such as breast, cervix, lung, and esophagus.

Methods

  • Data was gathered on cancer-related deaths, considering variables like gender, age, socio-economic status, and extent of RBS exposure over a lifetime.
  • Cancer types investigated include both general and specific instances like breast, cervix, lung, and esophagus cancers.

Findings

In areas with RBS exposures higher than 2000/antennas-year:

  • The average mortality rate stood at 112/100,000 for all cancers combined.
  • Analyzed data suggests a direct correlation between the level of RBS radiofrequency and increased cancer mortality, with cervix cancer showing the highest adjusted risk ratio of 2.18.
  • The city with the highest recorded RBS exposure also noted the highest mortality rates across all examined cancers, and notably in lung and breast cancer.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a strong association between the exposure to RBS electromagnetic fields and elevated mortality from cancer. Highlighting this link provides a significant public health warning to mitigate these exposures.

electromagnetic fields cancer mortality radio base stations public health environmental exposure radiofrequency
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