The potential carcinogenic hazards of electromagnetic radiation: a review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the experience gained thus far on the potential health hazards of electromagnetic radiation. Far less information is available in the medical literature on this kind of radiation than on ionizing radiation, which has been recognized as a health hazard long ago. Increased rates of cancer morbidity and mortality have been noted in populations exposed to ionizing radiation, and international quantitative safety criteria have been established. Electromagnetic radiation (radiofrequency levels between several hundred kilohertz and 300 GHz) is not an infrequent phenomenon. The literature consists mainly of epidemiological studies out of which grew the assumption that this kind of radiation may be carcinogenic. However, only limited data are available on electromagnetic radiation as a potential cancer inducer. A review of the literature does not demonstrate a direct and clear linkage between electromagnetic radiation and the occurrence of malignant tumors, but much more research and clarification are necessary before reaching any conclusions.