Cancer Occurrences in Laboratory Rats From Exposure to RF and Microwave Radiation

Abstract

The health effects of radio-frequency (RF) and microwave radiation have been a subject of scientific inquiry and public interest of late because of widespread global usage of mobile communication devices by billions of people everywhere. A minute increase in health risks such as cancer from RF radiation might lead to significant consequences for the health of the general public. A recent U.S. government announcement about the discovery of rare cancers in rats exposed to RF radiation is an important occurrence. Note that any new or single report should not be viewed in isolation. The U.S. government project was organized to confront the weaknesses of prior laboratory rodent studies on the potential of RF exposure to impact human health such as cancer in controlled environments. Indeed, several published reports on animal cancer investigations involving prolonged exposure to RF radiation are contentious and perplexing. The discrepancies have presented ambiguity in assessing public health threats from RF exposure. It is the objective of this review to provide a critical and analytical synopsis and assessment on current progress in cancers in rats exposed to lifelong RF and microwave radiation. Its focus is on laboratory studies involving cancer production and promotion, as well as the survival of experimental rats. Of special interest is carcinogenesis in the head—cancer development in the head. The question of whether RF exposure from wireless and mobile devices and systems poses a health risk will likely remain equivocal and controversial for some time to come.