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To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether cell phone radiation is safe, go to ProCon.org.
The radiation emitted by cell phones, known as radiofrequency (RF) radiation, is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 97% of Americans used cell phones in Apr. 2021, up from 35% in 2011.
Cell phones transmit their signals using RF wavelengths, which are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic waves move (radiate) through space at the speed of light via interaction between their electric and magnetic fields and can penetrate solid objects such as cars and buildings. Cordless phones, television, radio, and Wi-Fi also use RF radiation to transmit their signals.
The RF radiation from cell phones is contained in the low end (non-ionizing portion) of the broader electromagnetic spectrum just above radio and television RF and just below microwave RF. At high exposure levels, non-ionizing radiation can produce a thermal or heating effect (this is how microwaves heat food). Exposure to the high end (ionizing) radiation of ultra-violet light, X-rays, and Gamma rays is known to cause cancer.
On Apr. 3, 1973 the world’s first portable cell phone, the DynaTAC (also known as “the brick”), was introduced in the United States by Dr. Martin Cooper at Motorola. The phone was a foot long, weighed two pounds, and cost $4,000. The first commercial cell phone system was launched on Oct. 13, 1983 in Chicago by Ameritech Mobile Communications.
On Feb. 26, 1985 the first safety guidelines for radio frequency (RF) radiation were enacted by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that people were not exposed to dangerous “thermal effects” – levels of RF that could heat human flesh to harmful temperatures.
In 1993 concern over a possible link between brain tumors and cell phone use became a major public issue when CNN’s Larry King Live show reported on David Reynard, who sued a cell phone manufacturer in a Florida US District Court for causing his wife’s brain tumor. The case, Reynard v. NEC, was later rejected in 1995 by the court.
According to the World Bank, as of 2019, there were 7.98 billion cell phone subscriptions globally. That means, in 2019, cell phone subscriptions outnumbered people. The 2019 World Bank population estimate was 7.674 billion people.
As of Apr. 7, 2021, 97% of Americans owned a cell phone, up 85% from 2011 when just 35% of Americans owned a cell phone. The 2021 data also shows that 85% of Americans own a smartphone.
PRO
- Numerous peer-reviewed studies have found no evidence that cell phone use causes an increased risk of brain tumors.
- There has been no rise in the rate of brain cancers despite a massive increase in the use of cell phones.
- Radiofrequency radiation from cell phones is non-ionizing and is not powerful enough to cause cancer.
- Cell phone radiation levels are tested and certified to remain within levels deemed safe by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- US government agencies conclude there is no scientific evidence proving that cell phones cause cancer or other health problems.
CON
- Numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown an association between cell phone use and the development of brain tumors.
- Children may have an increased risk of adverse health effects from cell phone radiation.
- Cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation, and RF radiation has been shown to damage DNA and cause cancer in laboratory animals.
- Radiation from cell phones can damage sperm.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified cell phone radiation as a possible carcinogen.
This article was published on June 29, 2021, at Britannica’s ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source.