128 Health & Safety
Health & Safety
The biological effects of radio frequency energy should not be confused with the effects from other types of electromagnetic
energy.
Very high levels of electromagnetic energy, such as is found in X-rays and gamma rays, can ionize biological tissues. Ionization
is a process where electrons are stripped away from their normal locations in atoms and molecules. It can permanently damage
biological tissues including DNA, the genetic material.
The energy levels associated with radio frequency energy, including both radio waves and microwaves, are not great enough to
cause ionization of atoms and molecules. Therefore, RF energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Other types of non-ionizing
radiation include visible light, infrared radiation (heat), and other forms of electromagnetic radiation with relatively low
frequencies.
While RF energy does not ionize particles, large amounts can increase body temperatures and cause tissue damage. Two areas
of the body, the eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF heating because there is relatively little blood ow in
them to carry away excess heat.
Research Results to Date: Is there a connection between RF and certain health problems?
The results of most studies conducted to date say no. In addition, attempts to replicate and conrm the few studies that have
shown a connection have failed.
The scientic community at large therefore believes that the weight of scientic evidence does not show an association
between exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) from cell phones and adverse health outcomes. Still the scientic community has
supported additional research to address gaps in knowledge. Some of these studies are described below.
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