Carcinogenic Properties of Ionizing and Nonionizing Radiation - Volume I - Optical Radiation
Silba Cunningham-Dunlop, Bruce H. Kleinstein · 1977
Federal health agencies recognized potential cancer risks from non-ionizing optical radiation nearly 50 years ago.
Plain English Summary
This 1977 NIOSH technical report examined the cancer-causing potential of optical radiation, which includes visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation. The study was part of a broader government evaluation of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation sources for their carcinogenic properties. This represents early federal recognition that non-ionizing radiation could pose health risks beyond just ionizing radiation like X-rays.
Why This Matters
This NIOSH report marks a pivotal moment in EMF health research - federal acknowledgment in 1977 that non-ionizing radiation, including optical frequencies, warranted serious carcinogenic evaluation. The science demonstrates that concerns about EMF health effects aren't recent paranoia, but have legitimate scientific roots dating back nearly five decades. What this means for you is that government agencies have long recognized the potential for non-ionizing radiation to cause biological harm, contradicting industry claims that such concerns are unfounded. The reality is that optical radiation surrounds us constantly through LED lighting, computer screens, and solar exposure, making this early research particularly relevant to our daily lives.
Finding
Skin cancer accounts for about 40% of all malignant lesions in the United States (Urbach, 1977) and for approximately 50% of all cancer in Australia (Belisario, 1972 a). It is the most common form of cancer occurring in light-skinned populations (Emmett, 1973; Urbach, 1971; Elwood et al., 1974; Macdonald, 1975).
In their words
“Skin cancer accounts for about 40% of all malignant lesions in the United States (Urbach, 1977) and for approximately 50% of all cancer in Australia (Belisario, 1972 a). It is the most common form of cancer occurring in light-skinned populations (Emmett, 1973; Urbach, 1971; Elwood et al., 1974; Macdonald, 1975).”
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
to identify and document radiation types which have been shown to be actual or potential carcinogens; to review recent findings regarding current substantive issues and impressions of distinguished investigators regarding the types of cancer induced by radiation, carcinogenic dose-response relationships, radiocarcinogenic mechanisms, and synergistic (co-carcinogenic) effects; to predict the expected excess of cancers (or, for potentially carcinogenic types of radiation, the potential risk of cancer) either under commonly encountered conditions of occupational exposure or at the currently accepted maximum permissible dose limits; and to identify specific gaps in the present knowledge of radiation carcinogenesis, and to recommend specific areas in need of further investigation.
Show BibTeX
@article{carcinogenic_properties_of_ionizing_and_nonionizing_radiation_volume_i_optical_r_g7005,
author = {Silba Cunningham-Dunlop and Bruce H. Kleinstein},
title = {Carcinogenic Properties of Ionizing and Nonionizing Radiation - Volume I - Optical Radiation},
year = {1977},
}