Abstract

Overview

Epidemiological studies have suggested that human exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields from the electric power and to mobile phone radiofrequency electromagnetic fields could pose an increased risk of developing malignant tumors.

Project Inception at the Ramazzini Institute

Lack of adequate laboratory data supporting this epidemiological evidence led to the initiation of large-scale studies at the Ramazzini Institute. Four expansive life-span carcinogenic bioassays were conducted involving over 7000 Sprague Dawley rats. These subjects were exposed from prenatal life until natural death to S-50 Hz MF alone or combined with other agents like gamma radiation, formaldehyde, or aflatoxin B1.

Findings

• Early results indicated a significant increase in the incidence of malignant tumors in both males and females when S-50 Hz MF was combined with gamma radiation or chronic administration of formaldehyde.
• A secondary project involving over 3000 rats studied the effects of 1.8 GHz GSM of mobile phone radio base stations. Exposure to this frequency, especially when combined with gamma radiation, showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of heart malignant schwannoma among males exposed at the highest dose.

Conclusion

This comprehensive research reveals a troubling connection of electromagnetic fields with increased cancer risk, emphasizing the need for continued investigation into protective regulations and more robust, controlled exposure scenarios in future studies.