The USA National Toxicology Program (NTP) published draft results of the largest study of its type, which evaluated the association between exposure to RF radiation and development of cancer in animals

At the beginning of February 2018 draft reports of the final findings of a comprehensive study performed by the USA National toxicology Program (NTP) to evaluate the association between radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure and cancer amongst rats and mice were published.

During the study, animals were exposed to RF radiation using GSM and CDMA technology which are widespread in cellular communication in the USA – at several different exposure levels (for additional information on the study).

According to the report drafts (overall two reports: one on a study in rats and one on a study in mice), the level of exposure used in the studies was equal to, or higher than the maximal permitted level of exposure to radiation emitted by cellphones today (cellphones emit a lower level of RF radiation than the maximal permitted level).

The study findings showed that exposure to high levels of RF radiation led to an increase in the incidence of malignant heart tumors of Schwannoma type, amongst male rats. This finding was not found in female rats.

In addition, the reports indicated an increase in the number of rats found to have tumors in other organs (brain, pituitary gland, prostate, adrenal, liver and pancreas) at one or more of the various exposure levels checked, compared to rats that were not exposed. The researchers noted that the tumors observed (mainly gliomas) were similar to tumors reported in the past in several studies in humans which examined regular cellphone users.

In the study in mice no association was found between exposure to RF radiation and development of cancer.

The researchers said that at the end of March 2018 there will be an external expert review for final conclusions.