In August 2019 researchers from Canada, USA, Sweden and Australia published their review on the risks to health and well-being from radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones and other wireless devices. The researchers stated that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation started with the development of radar in 1935 and since then has increased substantially. In 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a “possible” (Group 2B) human carcinogen and since then a variety of its effects on health have been reported. Of particular concern are the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure on the developing brain in children. Compared with an adult male, a mobile phone held against the head of a child exposes deeper brain structures to greater radiation doses per unit volume, with bone marrow in the skull absorbing a roughly 10-fold higher local dose. Studies have also found that men who keep mobile phones in their trouser pockets have significantly lower sperm counts and significantly impaired sperm motility, with changes in size and shape. The researchers therefore recommended that the International Agency for Research on Cancer re-assess its 2011 classification and that the WHO undertake a full review of the multiple health effects such as sperm damage. In the interim, however, current knowledge provides justification for governments, public health authorities, and healthcare professionals to warn the population that having a mobile phone next to the body is harmful, and to support measures to reduce all exposures to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.
Miller AB et al. Risks to Health and Well-Being From Radio-Frequency Radiation Emitted by Cell Phones and Other Wireless Devices. Front Public Health. 2019 Aug 13;7:223.