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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

Effects of low level microwave radiation on carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino mice

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2011

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Low-level WiFi and FM radio frequency radiation showed no cancer-promoting effects in mice over 16 weeks.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Indian researchers exposed Swiss albino mice to low-level radiofrequency (112 MHz) and microwave (2.45 GHz) radiation to test whether these exposures would promote cancer development or growth. They found no evidence that either frequency increased tumor formation when combined with a known carcinogen or accelerated growth of transplanted cancer cells.

Why This Matters

This study provides important data points in the ongoing debate about EMF cancer risks, particularly for frequencies we encounter daily. The 2.45 GHz frequency tested is identical to what WiFi routers and microwave ovens emit, while 112 MHz falls within the FM radio band. The researchers used exposure levels well below current safety limits (0.1-0.75 W/kg SAR) and found no cancer-promoting effects over 16 weeks of exposure.

What makes this research particularly valuable is its dual approach: testing both cancer initiation (can EMF start tumors?) and cancer promotion (can EMF accelerate existing tumors?). The negative findings align with several other animal studies showing no carcinogenic effects from low-level microwave exposure. However, we must remember that 16 weeks represents a relatively short timeframe in cancer development, and mice studies don't always translate directly to human health outcomes.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 112 MHz and 2.45 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 112 MHz and 2.45 GHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2011). Effects of low level microwave radiation on carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino mice.
Show BibTeX
@article{effects_of_low_level_microwave_radiation_on_carcinogenesis_in_swiss_albino_mice_ce749,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Effects of low level microwave radiation on carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino mice},
  year = {2011},
  doi = {10.1007/s11010-010-0654-8},
  
}
DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0654-8PubMed: 21086023

Quick Questions About This Study

No, this study found that 16 weeks of 2.45 GHz exposure at 0.1 W/kg SAR did not cause tumor development in Swiss albino mice, even when combined with a known carcinogen (DMBA).
No, mice exposed to 112 MHz amplitude-modulated radiation at 0.75 W/kg SAR showed no increased tumor development or accelerated growth of transplanted cancer cells compared to unexposed control groups.
The study used exposure levels (0.1-0.75 W/kg SAR) well below current international safety limits of 2 W/kg for the general public, making the findings relevant to real-world exposure scenarios.
There was a slight, statistically insignificant increase in cancer cell numbers when mice with transplanted tumors were exposed to EMF for 14 days, but this difference was not meaningful.
Mortality rates were essentially identical between EMF-exposed mice and control groups, indicating that neither 112 MHz nor 2.45 GHz radiation affected survival during the study period.