New Study Reignites Debate on Cellphone Radiation Safety

While some health organizations say radiofrequency radiation is harmless, a new study suggests that prolonged exposure may damage human cells. ​

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Cellphones have only been part of our lives for a few decades, yet they have become indispensable tools for everything from paying bills to streaming videos. However, their convenience comes with controversy as concerns rise over the effects of the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) they emit.

While health organizations say this non-ionizing radiation is harmless, a recent study, which the authors describe as the first controlled human intervention trial examining the cytotoxic effects of cellphone radiation, suggests that prolonged exposure may damage human cells. ​

The Cancer Controversy

For cellphones to work their magic—transmitting conversations and data without wires—they are designed to emit a field of RFR. This is the same microwave radiation that powers radar systems and microwave ovens, although cellphones broadcast at a much lower intensity.