Effects of Radiofrequency Fields on the Genome: Genotoxicity and Gene Regulation

The possibility that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF fields) may cause negative health effects has been controversially discussed. Taking into account the increased use of technologies involving RF fields, e.g. the mobile telephone system, this issue gains even more significance.

In 2001, the German Commission on Radiological Protection evaluated the relevant scientific literature and published a recommendation on “Exposure Restrictions and Preventive Measures to Protect the Public from Electromagnetic Fields”. Since then many publications appeared, which made a new assessment of the SSK necessary. The present statement re-evaluates the current status of science in this field.

Based on an evaluation of scientific literature, the SSK has concluded that even considering the recently published results until October 2006

• there is no scientifically based suspicion that RF fields have a genotoxic effect, and
• there is no scientifically based suspicion that RF fields have an influence on gene regulation.

The results of available studies give no indication that there is an adverse health effect on the genome by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields questioning existing exposure restrictions.

This statement (in German and English) has been published as issue 62 of the series "Berichte der Strahlenschutzkommission" (Reports of the Commission on Radiological Protection).