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

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031229

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

Abstract

Abstract Summary: Investigating the Impact of Radio Base Stations on Cancer Rates

Overview

This study primarily investigates the correlation between continuous low-intensity exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by Radio Base Stations (RBS) and the mortality rates of several types of cancers in Brazil.

Methods

Collection of data on cancer mortality, demographic variables, economic status, and exposure levels across different regions.
Detailed examination of cancer types such as breast, cervix, lung, and esophagus.

Findings

In areas with higher exposure to RBS emissions (>2000 antennas-year), there was a significant increase in overall cancer mortality rates, with a noted mortality rate of 112 per 100,000 people for all studied cancer types.

The adjusted risk for cervix cancer was particularly high, with a rate ratio of 2.18, indicating a strong correlation between RBS exposure and increased cancer mortality.

Spatial analysis identified a city in Southern Brazil with both high RBS exposure and high cancer mortality rates, particularly for lung and breast cancer.

Conclusion

The study concludes that there is a definitive increase in cancer mortality associated with higher levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields from RBS, substantiating concerns about the health risks posed by such exposure.

← Back to Stats