April 22, 2025
NTP Meetings on Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation Health Effects Draft Technical Reports
NIEHS, March 26-28, 2018
Since the $30 million dollar NTP cell phone radiation study is one of the most important studies on the health effects of this technology, the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recently posted to YouTube all 20 hours of the video recording of the expert review of the draft technical reports.
Peer Review Panel Meeting Session 1 (March 26, 2018)
Peer Review Panel Meeting Session 3 (March 27, 2018)
Peer Review Panel Meeting Session 4 (March 27, 2018)
Peer Review Panel Meeting Session 5 (March 28, 2018)
Peer Review Panel Meeting Session 6 (March 28, 2018)
November 19, 2018
Review of the NTP and Ramazzini Institute Studies
by the Swiss
Expert Group on EMF and Non-Ionizing Radiation (BERENIS)
Conclusions
“The NTP and Ramazzini studies are most comprehensive
animal studies with regard to cancer and exposure to mobile phone and base
station signals that have been conducted to date. The scientific quality and
standard of laboratory techniques are high, especially in the NTP study…”
“The results of these two
animal studies are of great scientific relevance and importance for health
policy because according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer
(IARC), positive results from animal studies with lifetime exposure are very
important with regard to the classification of cancer risk of an agent,
together with data from epidemiological and mechanistic studies. Based on the
observed evidence regarding a correlation between mobile phone use and gliomas
as well as acoustic neuroma, the latter data led to the IARC classification of
mobile phone radiation as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ (group 2B) in 2011…”
“Despite the methodological
differences, both new animal studies showed relatively consistent results in
schwannomas and gliomas, as well as a dose-dependent trend to an increase in
the carcinogenicity of these tumors. The NTP study used high whole-body doses
(SAR – specific absorption rates) as compared to the regulatory limits for
whole-body exposure recommended by ICNIRP. For the general public, this limit
is 0.08 W/kg, with Switzerland additionally having introduced lower
precautionary limits. The question arises of how transferable the NTP study
results are to real-life exposure of the public, considering that mobile phone
use exposes only parts of the body to EMF levels comparable to the ones applied
to the whole animal by the NTP study. First, it is common practice in
toxicology to study higher doses to evaluate possible hazards of an agent.
Second, the NTP study found an increase in carcinogenicity for GSM and CDMA
exposure conditions. Since the findings are similar for both types of exposure,
they indicate that the modulation of the signals does not seem to be relevant.
Third, mobile phone use can cause local SAR values up to 2 W/kg, averaged over
a cube of 21 mm side length in the closest proximity of the phone (e.g. at the
ear, cheeks, hand, pocket locations, etc.). Thus, the results of the NTP study
are mostly relevant for the exposure situation when using a mobile phone close
to the body. In contrast, the Ramazzini study observed carcinogenicity at
levels as high as the environmental exposure limits, with no statistically
significant effect at lower doses. However, a dose-dependent trend was found
for malignant heart schwannomas, which is consistent with the findings of the
NTP study. This may indicate that the non-significant increase in case numbers
at lower exposure levels represents a true effect that has not reached
statistical significance due to the given sample size.
In summary, BERENIS supports a
precautionary approach for regulating RF EMF based on the findings and their
evaluation. A full risk assessment analysis taking into account all available
studies (animal studies and epidemiological studies) is necessary to assess
whether the current standards should be changed."
Complete review: http://bit.ly/NTPBerenis
October 24, 2018
September 24, 2018
Peer-reviewed comments on NTP cellphone radiation study by Hardell and Carlberg
Hardell L, Carlberg M. Comments on the US National Toxicology Program technical reports on toxicology and carcinogenesis study in rats exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 900 MHz and in mice exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 1,900 MHz. International Journal of Oncology. Published Oct 24, 2018. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2018.4606
Abstract
During the use of handheld mobile and cordless phones, the brain is the main target of radiofrequency (RF) radiation. An increased risk of developing glioma and acoustic neuroma has been found in human epidemiological studies. Primarily based on these findings, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at the World Health Organization (WHO) classified in May, 2011 RF radiation at the frequency range of 30 kHz‑300 GHz as a ‘possible’ human carcinogen, Group 2B. A carcinogenic potential for RF radiation in animal studies was already published in 1982. This has been confirmed over the years, more recently in the Ramazzini Institute rat study. An increased incidence of glioma in the brain and malignant schwannoma in the heart was found in the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on rats and mice. The NTP final report is to be published; however, the extended reports are published on the internet for evaluation and are reviewed herein in more detail in relation to human epidemiological studies. Thus, the main aim of this study was to compare earlier human epidemiological studies with NTP findings, including a short review of animal studies. We conclude that there is clear evidence that RF radiation is a human carcinogen, causing glioma and vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). There is some evidence of an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer, and clear evidence that RF radiation is a multi‑site carcinogen. Based on the Preamble to the IARC Monographs, RF radiation should be classified as carcinogenic to humans, Group 1.
Open access paper: https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijo.2018.4606/download
September 24, 2018
Peer-reviewed comments on NTP cell phone data for assessing human health risks
by Ronald Melnick, Former NTP Director of Special Programs
by Ronald Melnick, Former NTP Director of Special Programs
Melnick RL. Commentary on the utility of the National Toxicology Program study on cell phone radiofrequency radiation data for assessing human health risks despite unfounded criticisms aimed at minimizing the findings of adverse health effects. Environ Res. 2018 Sep 19;168:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.010.
Abstract
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted two-year studies of cell phone radiation in rats and mice exposed to CDMA- or GSM-modulated radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at exposure intensities in the brain of rats that were similar to or only slightly higher than potential, localized human exposures from cell phones held next to the head. This study was designed to test the (null) hypothesis that cell phone radiation at non-thermal exposure intensities could not cause adverse health effects, and to provide dose-response data for any detected toxic or carcinogenic effects.
Partial findings released from that study showed significantly increased incidences and/or trends for gliomas and glial cell hyperplasias in the brain and schwannomas and Schwann cell hyperplasias in the heart of exposed male rats. These results, as well as the findings of significantly increased DNA damage (strand breaks) in the brains of exposed rats and mice, reduced pup birth weights when pregnant dams were exposed to GSM- or CDMA-modulated RFR, and the induction of cardiomyopathy of the right ventricle in male and female rats clearly demonstrate that the null hypothesis has been disproved.
The NTP findings are most important because the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified RFR as a "possible human carcinogen" based largely on increased risks of gliomas and acoustic neuromas (which are Schwann cell tumors on the acoustic nerve) among long term users of cell phones. The concordance between rats and humans in cell type affected by RFR strengthens the animal-to-human association.
This commentary addresses several unfounded criticisms about the design and results of the NTP study that have been promoted to minimize the utility of the experimental data on RFR for assessing human health risks. In contrast to those criticisms, an expert peer-review panel recently concluded that the NTP studies were well designed, and that the results demonstrated that both GSM- and CDMA-modulated RFR were carcinogenic to the heart (schwannomas) and brain (gliomas) of male rats.
Note: Dr. Melnick was a senior toxicologist and Director of Special Programs in the Environmental Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. He led the design of the cell phone radiation studies discussed in this commentary.
September 6, 2018
September 6, 2018
Official Summary of Peer Review Meeting about the NTP's Cell Phone
Radiofrequency Radiation Studies
The official summary of the three-day peer review meeting to discuss the draft technical reports about the cell phone radiation studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program is now available.
National
Toxicology Program (NTP).
Peer Review of the Draft NTP Technical Reports on Cell Phone
Radiofrequency Radiation. National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences. 2018. pp. 1-51.
May 3, 2018
Videos of NTP Peer Review Meeting
Videos with closed captions for the peer review meeting of the draft NTP technical reports on cell phone radiation are now
available on the NTP website at https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/events/panels/tr/2018/03/videos/videos.
April 10, 2018
Experts Find "Clear Evidence" of Cancer from Cell Phone Radiation in NTP Study
March 28, 2018 (Last updated April 10)
Eleven experts convened by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) over a three day period to review the draft technical reports from the NTP's cell phone radiation studies concluded that there is "clear evidence" that exposure to cell phone radiation caused a rare cancer in the hearts of male rats, and "there is equivocal evidence" in the hearts of female rats.
The expert panel also reported "some evidence" that cell phone radiation exposure caused brain cancer in male and female rats and cancer of the adrenal glands in male rats.
Additionally, "equivocal evidence" of cancer risk was reported in the pituitary, adrenal, and prostate glands and pancreas and liver in male rats and adrenal glands in female rats.
The mice in the study, exposed to a different cell phone radiation frequency than the rats (1800 MHz vs. 900 MHz), displayed less evidence of cancer risk. Equivocal evidence of cancer risk from cell phone radiation was reported for lymphoma in male and female mice. Equivocal evidence was also reported for skin, lung, and liver cancer in male mice.
In seven instances, the expert group upgraded the evaluations of evidence published by NTP staff in the draft technical reports. Thus, the NTP scientists appear to have been overly conservative in their assessment of the hazards of long-term exposure to cell phone radiation. According to a former NTP scientist, "There was never a time when so many upgrades were recommended."
The following table based upon NTP's official summary of actions compares the evaluations of evidence of carcinogenicity prepared by NTP staff with the expert committee's findings. The two-page document which also contains the committee's findings for nonneoplastic lesions can be be downloaded from http://bit.ly/NTP180330.
The presentations and oral public comments are available at the following link: http://bit.ly/2qmvtQg.
Definitions
Clear Evidence of Carcinogenic Activity is demonstrated by studies that are interpreted as showing a dose-related (i) increase of malignant neoplasms, (ii) increase of a combination of malignant and benign neoplasms, or (iii) marked increase of benign neoplasms if there is an indication from this or other studies of the ability of such tumors to progress to malignancy.
Some Evidence of Carcinogenic Activity is demonstrated by studies that are interpreted as showing a chemical-related increased incidence of neoplasms (malignant, benign, or combined) in which the strength of the response is less than that required for clear evidence.
Equivocal Evidence of Carcinogenic Activity is demonstrated by studies that are interpreted as showing a marginal increase of neoplasms that may be chemically related.
No Evidence of Carcinogenic Activity is demonstrated by studies that are interpreted as showing no chemical-related increases in malignant or benign neoplasms.
https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/longterm/defs/index.html
Note: Although the definitions typically are applied to chemical agents, NTP also uses them with physical agents like cell phone radiation.
March 16, 2018 (Updated March 25)
To view webcast of NTP review meeting on March 26-28 from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EDT:
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/webcasts/cellphones_032618/
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) requested public comments about the two draft NTP Technical Reports on Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation. Due to a lag between when comments were submitted and posted to the NTP website, below are links to selected comments from scientists and environmental health organizations about the reports.
Public Comments: Scientists
George Carlo, PhD, The Science and Public Policy Institute
C.K. Chou, PhD, CK Chou Consulting
Lennart Hardell, MD, PhD, Michael Carlberg, MSc, University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden; Lena Hedendahl, MD, The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation
Magda Havas, PhD, Trent University
Ronald Kostoff, PhD
Ronald Melnick, PhD, Retired Senior Toxicologist, National Toxicology Program
Joel Moskowitz, PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Cindy Russell, MD, Physicians for Safe Technology
Annie J. Sasco, MD, DrPH, SM, MPH, retired Director of Research,INSERM (French NIH); former Unit Chief, IARC-WHO
Public Comments: Organizations
Association Alerte Phonegate (Dr. Marc Arazi)
EMF Research Committee, Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science (KIEES), South Korea
Environmental Health Trust
Environmental Working Group
More Information
National Toxicology Program Finds Cell Phone Radiation Causes Cancer
Brief History of NTP Cell Phone Radiation Studies and Comments on Reports
Ramazzini Institute Cell Phone Radiation Study Replicates NTP Study
Peer ReviewBrief History of NTP Cell Phone Radiation Studies and Comments on Reports
Ramazzini Institute Cell Phone Radiation Study Replicates NTP Study
The members of the two peer review committees for the NTP meeting have been announced.
David Eaton, PhD, University of Washington, Chair
Technical Panel 1: Reverberation Chamber Exposure System: Assess the reverberation chamber technology for evaluating the effects of cell phone radiofrequency radiation exposure in rats and mice.
Members:
Frank Barnes, PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Asimini Kiourti, PhD, Ohio State University
James Lin, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago
Technical Panel 2: NTP Findings in Rats and Mice: (1) Review and evaluate the scientific and technical elements of the study and its presentation; (2) Determine whether the study’s experimental design, conduct, and findings support the NTP’s conclusions regarding the carcinogenic activity and toxicity of the test agent.
Members:
Rick Adler, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Glaxo Smith Kline
Lydia Andrews-Jones, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Allergan, Inc,
J. Mark Cline, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Wake Forest School of Medicine
George Corcoran, PhD, ATS, Wayne State University
Susan Felter, PhD, Proctor & Gamble
Jack Harkema, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Michigan State University
Wolfgang Kaufmann, DVM, PhD, DECVP, Fellow IATP, Merck (retired)
Tyler Malys, PhD, National Cancer Institute
Kamala Pant, MS, BioReliance
Matthias Rinke, DVM, PhD, FTA Pathology, CVP, Fellow IATP, Bayer Pharma (retired)
Laurence Whiteley, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Pfizer
Jan 29, 2018 (Updated Jan 31, 2018)
The following information was excerpted from the Federal Register.
On January
29, 2018, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) announced a meeting to peer
review two draft NTP Technical Reports on Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation.
These reports present the results of NTP studies conducted to evaluate the
impact of cell phone radiofrequency radiation exposure in mice and rats.
The
peer-review meeting will be held at the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, NC and is open to the
public. Registration is requested for attendance at the meeting either
in-person or by webcast and to present oral comments. Information about the
meeting and registration will be available at https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/36051.
Meeting
Tentatively scheduled for March 26,
2018, 8:30 a.m. to adjournment on March 28, 2018, at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time. The preliminary agenda will be available at https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/36051
and will be updated one week before the meeting.
Document Availability
The NTP will post the two draft technical reports at 12 noon (Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, February 2 on the NTP web site: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/36051.
Deadlines
Written
Public Comment Submissions: March 12, 2018
Registration
for Oral Comments: March 12, 2018
Registration
to Attend Meeting In-person: March 28, 2018
Registration to View Webcast: March 28, 2018
Background
Personal (cellular)
telecommunications is a rapidly evolving technology that uses radiofrequency
energy or radiation for mobile communication. According to a 2016 survey, 95
percent of American adults now use cell phones. Given such broad use, adverse
health effects shown to be associated with cell phone use could be a widespread
public health concern.
The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) nominated cell phone radiofrequency radiation for
NTP study because (a) widespread human exposure is possible, (b) current
exposure guidelines are based largely on protection from acute injury due to
thermal effects, (c) little is known about the potential health effects of
long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation, and (d) currently available
human studies have found limited evidence of an increased risk of cancer from
cell phone use.
NTP studied
in rats and mice the effects of exposure to cell phone radiofrequency radiation
from two system modulations: Global System for Mobile Communications and Code
Division Multiple Access. NTP released the “Report of Partial Findings from the
National Toxicology Program Carcinogenesis Studies of Cell Phone Radiofrequency
Radiation in Hsd: Sprague Dawley SD Rats (Whole Body Exposure)” in May 2016 (https://doi.org/10.1101/055699).
The partial findings will be included in the draft NTP technical report for
rats. The two draft NTP technical reports present results for all NTP studies
on rats and mice on the toxicity and carcinogenicity of cell phone-emitted
radiofrequency radiation.
Public
Comment Registration
NTP invites written and oral public
comments on the draft NTP technical reports: Guidelines for Public Comments.
The
deadline for submission of written comments is March 12, 2018. Written public comments should be
submitted through the meeting website. Persons submitting written comments
should include name, affiliation, mailing address, phone, email, and sponsoring
organization (if any). Written comments received in response to this notice
will be posted on the NTP website, and the submitter will be identified by
name, affiliation, and sponsoring organization (if any). Comments that address
scientific or technical issues will be forwarded to the peer-review panel and
NTP staff prior to the meeting.
Registration to provide oral comments
is on or before March 12, 2018,
at https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/36051.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registrants will be
assigned a number in their confirmation email. Oral comments may be presented in
person at NIEHS or by teleconference line. The access number for the
teleconference line will be provided to registrants by email prior to the
meeting. Each organization is allowed one time slot per comment period. The
agenda allows for two public comment periods: The first comment period on the
exposure system (12 commenters, up to 5 minutes per speaker), and the second
comment period on the NTP findings in rats and mice (24 commenters, up to 5
minutes per speaker). After the maximum number of speakers per comment period
is exceeded, individuals registered to provide oral comment will be placed on a
wait list and notified should an opening become available. Commenters will be
notified after March 12, 2018, the deadline to register for oral public comments,
about the actual time allotted per speaker.
If
possible, oral public commenters should send a copy of their slides and/or
statement or talking points to Canden Byrd by email: NTP-Meetings@icf.com by March 12, 2018.
Background
Information on NTP Peer-Review Panels
NTP panels are technical, scientific advisory bodies to provide independent scientific peer review. These panels help ensure transparent, unbiased, and scientifically rigorous input to the program. Scientists interested in serving on an NTP panel should provide their current curriculum vitae to Canden Byrd by email: NTP-Meetings@icf.com.
NTP panels are technical, scientific advisory bodies to provide independent scientific peer review. These panels help ensure transparent, unbiased, and scientifically rigorous input to the program. Scientists interested in serving on an NTP panel should provide their current curriculum vitae to Canden Byrd by email: NTP-Meetings@icf.com.
More information about the meeting
http://bit.ly/FedRegNTP
https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/36051
Information about NTP Partial Report of Findings
http://bit.ly/NTPpartreport
http://bit.ly/FedRegNTP
https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/36051
Information about NTP Partial Report of Findings
http://bit.ly/NTPpartreport
