Clarification of mooted relationship between mobile telephone base stations and cancer

Recent press coverage has reported that "the World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a probable or possible cause of cancer". This was reported in relation to a cluster of cancers in Spain in young children claimed to have been caused by the EMF fields emitted from mobile telephone base stations (masts).

This statement is a distortion of WHO's position on the possible health effects of exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) fields mobile phones or their base stations.

In WHO Fact Sheet 193, "Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones and their Base Stations," revised in June 2000, it states: "None of the recent reviews have concluded that exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile phones or their base stations causes any adverse health consequence. However, there are gaps in knowledge that have been identified for further research to better assess health risks. It will take about 3-4 years for the required RF research to be completed, evaluated and to publish the final results of any health risks." This statement continues to reflect the status of the science and conveys WHO's position on this issue.

Confusion has perhaps arisen because in June 2001 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency of WHO on cancer, classified low frequency (frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz) magnetic fields as a "possible human carcinogen". The basis and meaning of this classification was given in WHO fact sheet 263 entitled "Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Extremely low frequency fields and cancer", issued in October 2001. However, the fields emitted by mobile telephone base stations are in the radiofrequency range (frequencies above 10 million Hz) as explained in WHO fact sheet 193.

WHO asks journalists and the public to note that there is a very substantial difference in EMF frequency, 50 or 60 Hz compared to over 10 million Hz. As a result the basis for limiting human exposure to these fields is completely different and is based on tissue heating for the high frequency RF fields and on induced electrical currents in the body for the extremely low frequency fields.

For more information contact:

Mr Gregory Hartl
Telephone: +41 (22) 791 4458
Mobile phone: +41 (79) 203 6715
E-mail: hartlg@who.int