In May 2019 researchers from Iran published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the effect of mobile phone use, or being within the range of the mobile phone from 450 to 3800 MHz, on the thyroid cells and hormones. A total of 22 studies were included in the review. Results showed that 11 studies reported changes in T3 and T4 levels (six reported a decrease in T3 levels and one an increase, whilst five reported decreased T4 levels and two an increased level). In 10 studies, an alteration in TSH levels was also reported (two a decrease in TSH level and one an increase in the hormone levels, with the remaining studies reporting non-significant changes). In addition, seven studies also found that exposure to mobile phone radiation may be linked to a reduction in the diameter of thyroid gland follicles. The researchers concluded by stating that based on the evidence provided, mobile phone radiation may adversely affect iodine uptake in the thyroid gland or produce an increase in temperature effect on the thyroid gland. Further research is required. However, it should be noted that the quality of the studies reviewed or risk of bias was not given.
Asl JF et al. The possible global hazard of cell phone radiation on thyroid cells and hormones: a systematic review of evidences. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 May 6. [Epub ahead of print]