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Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Cancer & Tumors

E., Sheen, D. M., Wilson, B. W., Grumbein, S. L., Creim, J. A. and Sasser, L. B

No Effects Found

Anderson, L. · 2004

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Two-year rat study found no cancer increase from 1.6 GHz radiation exposure starting before birth.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed Fischer 344 rats to 1.6 GHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to early satellite phone frequencies) from before birth through two years of age to test for cancer development. The study found no statistically significant differences in cancer rates, survival, or health outcomes between exposed and unexposed rats.

Why This Matters

This comprehensive two-year bioassay represents one of the more thorough attempts to assess long-term cancer risk from radiofrequency exposure, particularly notable for its prenatal-to-adulthood exposure timeline. The 1.6 GHz frequency tested falls within the range used by early satellite communication systems and some cordless phones. While the study found no cancer increase, the exposure levels (0.16-1.6 W/kg SAR in the brain) were relatively high compared to typical consumer device exposures, which rarely exceed 0.1 W/kg during normal use.

The reality is that negative findings like these often receive less attention than positive studies, yet they contribute crucial data to our understanding of RF health effects. However, one study cannot definitively establish safety, especially given the complexity of cancer development and the limitations of animal models in predicting human health outcomes.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.6 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.6 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Anderson, L. (2004). E., Sheen, D. M., Wilson, B. W., Grumbein, S. L., Creim, J. A. and Sasser, L. B.
Show BibTeX
@article{e_sheen_d_m_wilson_b_w_grumbein_s_l_creim_j_a_and_sasser_l_b_ce3608,
  author = {Anderson and L.},
  title = {E., Sheen, D. M., Wilson, B. W., Grumbein, S. L., Creim, J. A. and Sasser, L. B},
  year = {2004},
  doi = {10.1667/RR3208},
  
}
DOI: 10.1667/RR3208PubMed: 15387148

Quick Questions About This Study

This comprehensive two-year study found no statistically significant increase in cancer rates among Fischer 344 rats exposed to 1.6 GHz radiofrequency radiation from before birth through adulthood compared to unexposed control groups.
The study tested brain SAR levels of 0.16 W/kg during prenatal exposure and 0.16-1.6 W/kg during post-birth exposure. These levels are higher than typical consumer device exposures, which rarely exceed 0.1 W/kg.
Rats were exposed from 19 days of gestation through two years of age. Prenatal and early life exposure was 2 hours daily, 7 days per week, then 2 hours daily, 5 days per week after weaning.
No significant differences were observed in the number of live pups per litter, survival rates, weaning weights, or clinical signs between rats exposed to 1.6 GHz radiation prenatally and unexposed controls.
The 1.6 GHz frequency tested is similar to early Iridium satellite phones and some cordless phone systems. Modern cell phones typically operate at different frequencies, though some bands are nearby at 1.7-1.9 GHz.