6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / GeneralPart of the Glaser Archive

A Current Literature Report on the Carcinogenic Properties of Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 1977

Share:

Early 1977 research already identified potential cancer risks from non-ionizing radiation decades before today's wireless explosion.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1977 technical report reviewed the existing scientific literature on cancer-causing properties of both ionizing radiation (like X-rays) and non-ionizing radiation (including microwaves and radiofrequency fields). The analysis examined various forms of electromagnetic radiation to understand their potential role in cancer development. This represents one of the earliest comprehensive reviews connecting non-ionizing EMF sources to carcinogenic concerns.

Why This Matters

This 1977 report stands as a pivotal early recognition that non-ionizing radiation deserved serious scientific attention alongside the well-established cancer risks of ionizing radiation. The science demonstrates that even nearly five decades ago, researchers were connecting radiofrequency and microwave exposures to potential cancer mechanisms. What makes this particularly significant is the timing - this review emerged during the early expansion of wireless technologies, when most people had minimal EMF exposure compared to today's constant bombardment from cell phones, WiFi, and wireless devices.

The reality is that our daily EMF exposure has increased exponentially since 1977, yet regulatory agencies continue to rely on outdated safety standards that ignore non-thermal biological effects. Put simply, if researchers were raising carcinogenic concerns about EMF in 1977 when exposures were minimal, today's ubiquitous wireless environment demands far more urgent attention to these health risks.

Exposure Details

Power Density
10 mW/cm²

Exposure Context

This study used 10 mW/cm² for radio frequency:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 10 mW/cm²Extreme Concern - 1,000 µW/m²FCC Limit - 10M µW/m²Effects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)This level is 10 times the FCC limit
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 13.56 MHz to 22.125 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 13.56 MHz to 22.125 GHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale
Cite This Study
Unknown (1977). A Current Literature Report on the Carcinogenic Properties of Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_current_literature_report_on_the_carcinogenic_properties_of_ionizing_and_non_i_g7386,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {A Current Literature Report on the Carcinogenic Properties of Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation},
  year = {1977},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

The report reviewed both ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays) and non-ionizing radiation including ultraviolet, microwave, and radiofrequency radiation. This comprehensive approach examined the full electromagnetic spectrum for potential cancer-causing properties.
This represented one of the first major literature reviews connecting non-ionizing EMF sources to cancer concerns. It established scientific precedent for examining radiofrequency and microwave radiation as potential carcinogens decades before widespread wireless adoption.
EMF exposure in 1977 was minimal compared to today's levels. Most people had no cell phones, WiFi, or wireless devices. Current daily exposure from multiple wireless sources is exponentially higher than what existed when this early cancer research was conducted.
Radiocarcinogenesis refers to cancer development caused by radiation exposure. This 1977 report examined how both ionizing and non-ionizing electromagnetic fields might trigger cellular changes leading to cancer formation through various biological mechanisms.
Despite early research like this 1977 report identifying potential cancer risks, current safety standards still focus primarily on heating effects rather than biological mechanisms. Regulatory agencies have been slow to incorporate non-thermal cancer research into exposure limits.