Research has been carried out by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to look at the impact of radio waves on health. It has been stated that radio waves are ‘possibly carcinogenic’ (possible cause of cancer). This does not mean that there is a definite direct link between radio waves from mobile phones and cancer; rather, that the evidence from studies that examined whether radio waves can cause cancer in humans was considered limited. The evidence from experimental studies involving exposed animals was also considered limited. Other examples of chemicals or substances that are considered possibly carcinogenic include eating pickled vegetables (Asian-type) or using talc-based body powder.
Sometimes, people are concerned about exposures and impacts, but radio wave exposures and risks are assessed against agreed health-based standards which have been set to protect individual and population health. According to Public Health England, the UK expert advisors on radiation, public exposure to radio waves from 2G, 3G and 4G technology mobile telecommunications base stations is well within the guideline levels set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines are internationally accepted and used in many countries including the UK. The recent roll-out of 5G technology across the UK may possibly lead to an increase in overall exposure to radio waves. However, it is not expected that exposure will exceed the health-based guidelines.
Similarly, Wi-Fi technology - as used in wireless local area networks where devices and computers communicate through radio waves instead of connecting cables - is not expected to negatively affect the health of the general population. The signals are very low power in Wi-Fi network computers and routers and exposure levels are lower than those from mobile phones held to the head during calls. Research shows that an individual’s exposure to radio waves from Wi-Fi will also be well within the ICNIRP internationally-accepted guidelines. As such, there is no reason why Wi-Fi should not be used in schools and in other public places.