WHO-commissioned review finds no link between mobile phone use and brain cancer

A new analysis of 13 World Health Organization reviews found no evidence that electromagnetic waves from mobile phones cause brain, head or neck cancer. The review examined 63 studies published between 1994 and 2022. It found no association regardless of how long or how often people used mobile phones.

Background on electromagnetic radiation concerns Electromagnetic waves power radio, Wi-Fi, satellite navigation and mobile phones. High-energy forms such as X-rays are known to cause cancer, prompting long-standing questions about lower-energy waves.

Public concern grew during the Cold War with the spread of microwave ovens and televisions. Standards now limit radiation output from consumer devices based on available evidence.

Study findings and evidence quality The same review found no link between radio or television transmission and childhood leukaemia. Other reviews of human observational studies reached similar conclusions across multiple health outcomes. Researchers noted that evidence quality for many effects remains limited or low.

Brain cancer data received the highest quality rating possible for observational studies. Australian brain cancer rates have stayed steady since the 1980s, before widespread mobile phone use began. The authors stated that no science can prove the absence of risk, but current exposure limits appear consistent with available data.