The final version of our new paper is now available:
ABSTRACT
Background
Recent WHO-commissioned systematic reviews have concluded with “high certainty” that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) increases cancer risk and reduces male fertility in experimental animals.
Methods
We performed benchmark dose (BMD) analyses on experimental cancer data to estimate exposure levels associated with cancer risk of 1 × 10–5 (1 in 100,000). Due to the lack of an established non-linear mode of action for RF-EMF-induced tumor responses, we utilized linear low-dose extrapolation from 1% BMD values. In addition, we applied traditional uncertainty factors to the reported linear potency value of 0.03 per W/kg for male reproductive toxicity to derive health-protective exposure limits.
Results
The derived dose per hour (expressed as the specific absorption rate, SAR) at 1 × 10–5 cancer risk ranges from about 0.8 to 5 mW/kg. It should be noted that cancer risk increases with increasing time of exposure to RF-EMF. For protection of male fertility due to exposure to RF-EMF, the estimated SAR exposure limit was 3.3 to 10 mW/kg. These health protective whole-body exposure values are significantly lower than the current whole-body exposure limit value of 0.08 W/kg (80 mW/kg) established by ICNIRP and the FCC for the general public.
Conclusions
Berkeley, CA — March 14, 2026 — A new peer-reviewed study published in the journal Environmental Health reveals that current safety limits for radiofrequency radiation (RFR)--emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, smart meters, and cell towers—are severely inadequate to protect public health.
For the general public, current regulatory limits to RF-EMF are 15- to 900-fold higher than our estimates of exposure levels associated with cancer risk of 1 × 10–5 (depending on the duration of daily exposure), and 8- to 24-fold higher than levels that are protective of male reproductive health. Thus, we strongly recommend an independent re-evaluation of RF-EMF exposure limits, integrating scientific data accumulated over the past 30 years and applying rigorous health-protective methodologies.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings from two of the WHO-commissioned SRs that there is “high certainty of evidence” that exposures to RFR are associated with increased cancer risk and decreased male fertility, as well as benchmark dose analyses, we found that the ICNIRP and FCC exposure limits to RF-EMF are inadequate for protecting human health. Those limits need to be markedly reduced to be consistent with how public health agencies set exposure limits to reduce health risks in the general public from exposures to hazardous environmental agents. To reduce extra cancer risk from exposure to RF-EMF to 1 × 10–5, the whole-body exposure limit would need to be reduced by 15- to more than 900-fold, with exposures that vary from 1 to 8 h/day. To reduce the risk of reduced male fertility in the general public, the ICNIRP and FCC limit would need to be reduced by 8- to 24-fold. An independent re-evaluation of RF-EMF exposure limits based on scientific knowledge gained over the past 30 years and the application of health protective methodologies is long overdue.
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March 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ICBE-EMF Media Contact:
Researchers conclude that current wireless radiation exposure limits are at least 200 times too high to safely protect people.
Berkeley, CA — March 14, 2026 — A new peer-reviewed study published in the journal Environmental Health reveals that current safety limits for radiofrequency radiation (RFR)--emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, smart meters, and cell towers—are severely inadequate to protect public health.
Taking
results from a $30 million U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP)
cancer study, the researchers applied standard procedures developed by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and found that current RFR
exposure limits are at least 200 times too high to protect us from
cancer risk with 8 hours per day of exposure. Also, based on other
research, RFR limits were 24 times too high to protect against
reproductive impacts.
The press release which contains a link to the paper can be downloaded at
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About the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF)
ICBE-EMF is an international consortium of scientists, doctors, and researchers with expertise and peer-reviewed publications on the biological and health effects of electromagnetic fields, including wireless RF radiation. Wireless devices such as cell phones, cordless phones, Wi-Fi, and cell towers emit radiofrequency radiation. The Commission is committed to upholding the highest standards of scientific research and makes science-based recommendations to ensure the protection of the public and the environment. ICBE-EMF.org
