Concerning the use of cell phones, as in previous reports, the scientific council of the SSM concludes that studies of brain tumours and other tumours of the head, together with national cancer incidence statistics from different countries, “are not convincing in linking mobile phone use to the occurrence of glioma or other tumours of the head region among adults. Recent studies described in this report do not change this conclusion although these have covered longer exposure periods. Scientific uncertainty remains for regular mobile phone use for time periods longer than 15 years. It is also too early to draw firm conclusions regarding the risk of brain tumours in children and adolescents, but the available literature to date does not indicate an increased risk. ”
The scientific council also addressed self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity. According to the expert group, “studies so far have not provided evidence that exposure to electromagnetic fields is a causal factor.” Also: “In the last year several studies have reported an association between mobile phone use in adolescents and the occurrence of symptoms. What remains unclear, however, is whether this could be due to the exposure to RF-EMF, confounding (e.g. personality type) or the usage of mobile phones or other electronic devices as such.”
Regarding fixed transmitters, the expert group concludes: “In line with previous studies, new studies on adult and childhood cancer with improved exposure assessment do not indicate any health risks for the general public related to exposure from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from far-field sources, such as base stations and radio and TV transmitters.” Also, the experts find no evidence indicating a health risk related to the exposure from wireless local data networks in schools or at home.
The scientific council also summarizes the conclusions of two recent expert reports – from the Royal Society of Canada (2014) and the Health Council of the Netherlands (2014)
Reference :
- Recent Research on EMF and Health Risk. Tenth report from SSM’s Scientific Council on Electromagnetic Fields, 2015 (opens in a new window). (pdf)
Report 2015:19. Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten, SSM). March 2015. Released June 12, 2015.