Radio Frequency (RF)

Radio frequency electromagnetic fields are produced by wireless communication devices and broadcast signals. They range from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz and include frequencies used by cell phones, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 5G. RF is typically measured in microwatts per square meter (µW/m²) or milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²).

Concern Level Thresholds

Based on Building Biology Institute guidelines (µW/m² (microwatts per square meter)):

No Concern

< 0.1 µW/m²

Slight Concern

0.1 – 10 µW/m²

Severe Concern

10 – 1,000 µW/m²

Extreme Concern

> 1,000 µW/m²

See where common exposures fall on the scale:

Showing 377 studies with measured radio frequency (rf) exposure

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Lack of effect of 94 GHz radio frequency radiation exposure in an animal model of skin carcinogenesis.

Mason PA et al. · 2001

Researchers exposed mice to 94 GHz millimeter wave radiation (the same frequency range used in some 5G networks) to see if it would promote skin cancer development. Even at very high power levels - 1000 times stronger than typical exposure limits - the radiation showed no effect on tumor formation or growth. This suggests that millimeter wave radiation at these frequencies does not act as a cancer promoter in skin tissue.

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Cancer & Tumors

Hardell L et al, (May 2018) Radiofrequency radiation from nearby base stations gives high levels in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden: A case report., Oncol Lett. 2018 May;15(5):7871-7883. doi: 10.3892/ol.2018.8285

Unknown authors · 2018

Researchers measured radiofrequency radiation levels in a Stockholm apartment located near cell tower base stations on the roof. They found extremely high radiation levels averaging 3,811 µW/m², with some readings exceeding 112,000 µW/m² - levels the authors deemed unsafe for long-term living, especially for children.

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