8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

EMF Research Studies

Browse 8,700 peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field health effects from 4 research libraries.

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Showing 742 studies in Cancer & Tumors

Cancer & Tumors117 citations

2016 NTP Report of Partial Findings (Rats)

Unknown authors · 2016

The U.S. National Toxicology Program conducted lifetime studies exposing rats to cell phone radiation from birth through death. Male rats showed increased rates of brain tumors (malignant gliomas) and heart tumors (schwannomas) when exposed to GSM and CDMA frequencies used in wireless networks. These are the same tumor types found in some human studies of heavy cell phone users.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found1,874 citations

Lai J, Zhang Y, Liu X, Zhang J, Ruan G, Chaugai S, Chen C, Wang DW

Unknown authors · 2016

This study analyzed genetic profiles from over 1,100 brain tumor samples to better understand diffuse gliomas (a type of brain cancer). Researchers found specific genetic mutations that help classify these tumors and predict patient outcomes. The findings may improve treatment approaches by identifying distinct molecular subtypes of brain tumors.

Cancer & Tumors434 citations

Choi Y-K, Urnukhsaikhan E, Yoon H-H, Seo Y-K, Park J-K

Unknown authors · 2016

Researchers used advanced genetic sequencing to identify specific gene mutations in patients with rare blood disorders called histiocytic neoplasms. They discovered new genetic targets for treatment and successfully treated some patients with targeted drugs. This study advances precision medicine for these challenging blood cancers.

Cancer & Tumors1,064 citations

Ye W, Wang F, Zhang W, Fang N, Zhao W, Wang J

Unknown authors · 2016

Researchers analyzed genetic mutations in 1,144 lung cancer samples, comparing two main types: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They discovered new cancer-driving genes and found that nearly half of all lung tumors contained enough genetic changes to potentially respond to immunotherapy treatments.

Cancer & Tumors1,064 citations

Ye W, Wang F, Zhang W, Fang N, Zhao W, Wang J

Unknown authors · 2016

Researchers analyzed genetic sequences from 1,144 lung cancer tumors to identify new cancer-driving genes and mutations. They found that lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have distinct genetic profiles, with several newly identified genes that contribute to cancer development. The study suggests both cancer types could benefit from immunotherapy treatments.

Hardell L et al, (October 2016) Radiofrequency radiation at Stockholm Central Railway Station in Sweden and some medical aspects on public exposure to RF fields., Int J Oncol. 2016 Oct;49(4):1315-1324. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3657

Unknown authors · 2016

Researchers measured radiofrequency radiation levels throughout Stockholm's Central Railway Station using specialized equipment that detected 20 different frequency bands. They found radiation levels that were consistently above precautionary health guidelines, with some hotspots near base stations exceeding the equipment's measurement limits. Almost all measured levels surpassed the safety targets recommended by independent health experts.

Mobile phone use and the brain cancer incidence rate in Australia

Unknown authors · 2016

This 2016 Australian study examined the relationship between mobile phone use and brain cancer rates across the population. The research analyzed national cancer registry data alongside mobile phone adoption patterns to determine if increased phone use correlated with rising brain tumor incidence. The findings contribute to ongoing debates about whether cell phone radiation poses cancer risks at the population level.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Effect of cell phone-like electromagnetic radiation on primary human thyroid cells.

Silva V et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed human thyroid cells from surgical patients to cell phone-like radiofrequency radiation and tested for cancer-related changes. They found no effects on cell growth markers, DNA damage indicators, or stress proteins that typically signal cellular harm. The study suggests that under these specific conditions, cell phone radiation did not trigger cancer-promoting changes in thyroid cells.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Time trend in incidence of malignant neoplasms of the central nervous system in relation to mobile phone use among young people in Japan.

Sato Y, Kiyohara K, Kojimahara N, Yamaguchi N. · 2016

Japanese researchers analyzed brain cancer rates among young adults from 1993 to 2010 to see if rising mobile phone use could explain increasing cancer incidence. While they found brain cancer rates did increase during this period (ranging from 2.7% to 12.3% annually depending on age and gender), the patterns didn't match what would be expected from mobile phone exposure. The study concluded that heavy mobile phone use cannot explain the overall increase in brain cancers among young Japanese adults.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Etiology of Pituitary Tumors: A Case Control Study.

Leng L, Zhang Y. · 2016

Researchers in China studied 204 people with pituitary tumors and 246 healthy controls to identify risk factors for these brain tumors. They found that mobile phone use and longer duration of use were associated with increased risk of developing pituitary tumors. This suggests that radiofrequency radiation from cell phones may contribute to tumor development in the pituitary gland, which controls many hormonal functions in the body.

The Intracranial Distribution of Gliomas in Relation to Exposure From Mobile Phones: Analyses From the INTERPHONE Study.

Grell K et al. · 2016

Researchers analyzed 792 brain tumor patients from 13 countries to see if gliomas (a type of brain cancer) occurred more often on the side of the head where people held their cell phones. They found a statistically significant pattern: brain tumors were more likely to develop on the same side of the head where patients reported using their phones most frequently. This spatial relationship held true regardless of how much time people spent on calls, suggesting that location of exposure may be more important than duration.

Dielectric characterization of healthy and malignant colon tissues in the 0.5-18 GHz frequency band.

Fornes-Leal A et al. · 2016

Researchers measured the electrical properties of healthy and cancerous colon tissue samples from 20 patients across frequencies used by cell phones, WiFi, and other wireless devices (0.5-18 GHz). They found that cancerous tissue had significantly different electrical characteristics than healthy tissue, with cancer tissue showing 8.8% higher dielectric constant values. This discovery could lead to new methods for early cancer detection using electromagnetic waves.

Has the incidence of brain cancer risen in Australia since the introduction of mobile phones 29 years ago?

Chapman S, Azizi L, Luo Q, Sitas F. · 2016

Australian researchers analyzed 30 years of brain cancer data (1982-2012) to see if cancer rates increased after mobile phones were introduced in 1987. Despite mobile phone usage reaching 94% of the population by 2014, brain cancer rates remained stable in most age groups and were actually lower than what researchers expected if phones truly caused cancer. The only increase was in people over 70, but this trend began in 1982, before mobile phones existed.

Analysis of the Genotoxic Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation using Buccal Micronucleus Assay: A Comparative Evaluation.

Banerjee S, Singh NN, Sreedhar G, Mukherjee S. · 2016

Researchers examined cells from inside the mouths of mobile phone users to look for micronuclei, which are tiny fragments that indicate DNA damage and are linked to cancer risk. They found that heavy phone users (more than 5 years of use, over 10 hours weekly) had significantly more DNA damage in their mouth cells compared to light users, with the worst damage occurring in people who reported feeling warmth around their ear during calls. The study suggests that even radiation levels considered 'safe' by current standards can cause genetic damage when exposure occurs over long periods.

Mobile Phone Use and the Risk of Parotid Gland Tumors: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Al-Qahtani K. · 2016

Researchers studied 26 patients with parotid gland tumors (salivary glands near the ear) and compared them to 61 healthy controls to see if cell phone use was linked to tumor development. They found that people who used their phones for more than one hour daily were 3.47 times more likely to develop these tumors. While the study was small, it suggests a concerning connection between heavy phone use and tumors in the area where phones are typically held against the head.

Effects of radiation from a radiofrequency identification (RFID) microchip on human cancer cells

Lai HC, Chan HW, Singh NP · 2016

Researchers exposed three different types of human cancer cells to radiofrequency energy from RFID microchips for one hour and found that the RF energy killed or slowed the growth of all cancer cell types tested. The effect was blocked when cells were pretreated with compounds that prevent oxidative damage, suggesting the RF energy works by generating harmful free radicals through a chemical process called the Fenton Reaction.

Improved Mitochondrial and Methylglyoxal-Related Metabolisms Support Hyperproliferation Induced by 50 Hz Magnetic Field in Neuroblastoma Cells.

Falone S et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed human neuroblastoma cells (a type of brain cancer cell) to 50 Hz magnetic fields at 1 milliTesla and found the fields made the cancer cells grow faster and become more aggressive. The magnetic field exposure triggered protective mechanisms in the cancer cells that helped them survive and multiply more effectively. This suggests that power frequency magnetic fields might promote the growth of existing brain tumors.

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields regulate differentiation of regulatory T cells: Potential role for ROS-mediated inhibition on AKT

Tang R, Xu Y, Ma F, Ren J, Shen S, Du Y, Hou Y, Wang T · 2016

Researchers exposed mice with lung cancer to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (7.5 Hz, 0.4 Tesla) for 2 hours daily over 27 days and found the treatment significantly reduced tumor spread in the lungs. The magnetic fields worked by altering immune cell behavior - specifically reducing regulatory T cells (immune cells that normally suppress anti-tumor responses) and increasing cellular stress molecules called reactive oxygen species. This suggests that certain magnetic field exposures might enhance the body's natural ability to fight cancer by modifying immune system function.

Power frequency magnetic fields affect the p38 MAPK-mediated regulation of NB69 cell proliferation implication of free radicals.

Martínez MA, Úbeda A, Moreno J, Trillo MÁ · 2016

Researchers exposed human brain tumor cells (neuroblastoma) to 50 Hz magnetic fields at 100 microtesla - similar to levels near power lines - for various time periods. The magnetic field exposure triggered specific cellular pathways that increased cell proliferation, with the effects appearing to be mediated by reactive oxygen species (free radicals). This suggests that power frequency magnetic fields can stimulate abnormal cell growth through oxidative stress mechanisms.

Also see: Brain Tumor Rates Are Rising in the US: The Role of Cell Phone & Cordless Phone Use

Hardell & Carlberg (2015) Increasing rates of brain tumours in the Swedish National Inpatient Register & the Causes of Death Register. Int J Envir Res Public Health. http://bit.ly/1aDHJm Devocht (2016) Inferring the 1985–2014 impact of mobile phone use on selected brain cancer subtypes using Bayesian structural time series and synthetic controls. Environ Int. http://bit.ly/2jJlbZu corrigendum (2017): http://bit.ly/2Cuq2nU Hardell & Carlberg (2017) Mobile phones et al. · 2015

Swedish researchers analyzed national cancer registry data from 1970-2013 and found thyroid cancer rates increasing dramatically, especially after 2001 in women (5.34% annually) and after 2005 in men (7.56% annually). The increases were primarily in papillary thyroid cancer, the type most sensitive to radiation, and coincided with widespread adoption of cell phones and cordless phones.

Cancer & Tumors160 citations

(2015) Mobile phone radiation causes brain tumors and should be classified as a probable human carcinogen (2A) (Review)

Morgan et al · 2015

This 2015 review by Morgan and colleagues analyzed existing research on mobile phone radiation and brain tumors, concluding that radiofrequency fields should be classified as a Group 2A 'probable' human carcinogen. The authors highlighted the French CERENAT study showing increased glioma risk from long-term mobile phone use and argued that current evidence meets the criteria for upgrading the cancer classification.

Çiğ B, Nazıroğlu M

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers exposed breast cancer cells to radiation from mobile phones (900 MHz, 1800 MHz) and Wi-Fi (2450 MHz) at various distances for one hour. They found that EMF exposure within 10 cm triggered harmful cellular effects including oxidative stress, calcium overload, and programmed cell death, while distances beyond 10 cm showed no significant effects. This suggests maintaining distance from wireless devices may reduce biological harm.

Fiocchi S et al, (Aprli 2015) Assessment of foetal exposure to the homogeneous magnetic field harmonic spectrum generated by electricity transmission and distribution networks, Int J Environ Res Public Health

Unknown authors · 2015

Italian researchers used high-resolution 3D models to assess how power line electromagnetic fields (including harmonic frequencies beyond the basic 50 Hz) affect developing fetuses. They found that while harmonic frequencies add some exposure, the fundamental 50 Hz frequency dominates fetal EMF exposure, and overall levels remained below current safety guidelines.

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