Exposure to radiofrequent electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) as emitted by mobile phones, can damage the cellular DNA. During the ATHEM in vitro research program we confirmed genotoxic effects under some but not all conditions, established a latency periode from start of exposure to first incidence, and the role DNA repair. In human volunteers we found exposure associated genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in mucosal cells. The volunteers’ report on little or heavy mobile phone use and the findings in the individuals’ cell samples, point towards an accumulation of RF-EMF induced effects over time.
Our data corroborate international reports on RF-exposure related DNA oxidation. We observed these exposure related DNA damages associated with activated specific DNA repair mechanisms. Repair failure typically results in permanent DNA damage, which increases the risk for cell transformation. We observed no adverse acute health effects, however, a potential long term risk can’t be excluded. The available data are not sufficient to redefine existing exposure limits to protect also from long term effects, the data call for risk management strategies to promote the safe use of the technology.