Hey Everyone, I am going to be getting my medical records from the last time I went into the hospital. And that was October 3, 2011. Ia m going to post them up as soon as I get them. But I have a few medical reports I have that goes over my operation and the health of my heart. And I went to a few websites. And got some information on ionizing microwave radiation. That I think everyone should know a about. Because Eric S Phillips has a weapon that he uses, That he stole from the United States Naval Defense Department. The weapon is on a list of military records has a Weapon of Mass Destruction WMD. I have sent off charges to have Eric S. Phillips arrested. The letter I have up on my blog. I do not know what the NCIS-RA or the JTTF-FBI-RA are doing. I was told that they would contact me after they had investigated my case. The Naval Investigation Team is involved because the weapon Eric S Philips stole is a a Naval Military WMD and he stole the weapon from a naval base in Pensacola Florida during his services time in the United States Navy. So sense he has be trade the united States Naval Military first. The charges the military will charge him for. Will be the first charges Eric S Phillips will face.
Here are the medical reports I wanted to show everyone. This was bach after i had my Cardiac Ablation at Brookwood Hospital, They started using the military weapon on me I know in 2004 up to now 2011. But this operation I had was back in June 12, 2008.
Hello Everyone, If you know medical forms and the wording of what I have posted. You see that I have thrre Cardiologist and test showing I have no heart problem. But on this last trip to the hospital my heart was the main thought on my mind and several doctors. Medical and physical I have no record or reason to be having heart problems. But just read what I have posted up. And read about how Ionizing and microwaves and radiation, Has a lot to do with the weapon Eric S. Phillips stole from the United States Navy. Naval Military Ionizing Microwave Radiation Auditory Transmitter, That can be a dish that fires out wave forms like a radio station does. But the electricity waves are VLF EMF human auditory waves. I am going to show all of you how this typ of radiation can affect a person. And it is all true. But please read what I have posted up
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionizing_radiationIonizing radiation
Ionizing (or ionising) radiation is radiation with sufficient energy to remove an electron from an atom or molecule. This ionization producesfree radicals, atoms or molecules containing unpaired electrons, which tend to be especially chemically reactive.
The degree and nature of such ionization depends on the energy of the individual particles (including photons), not on their number (intensity). In the absence of heating a bulk substance up to ionization temperature, or multiple absorption of photons (a rare process), an intense flood of particles or particle-waves will not cause ionization if each particle or particle-wave does not carry enough individual energy to be ionizing (an example is a high-powered radio beam, which will not ionize if it does not cause high temperatures). Conversely, even very low-intensity radiationwill ionize at low temperatures and powers, if the individual particles carry enough energy (e.g., a low-power X-ray beam). In general, particles or photons with energies above a few electron volts(eV) are ionizing, no matter what their intensity.
Examples of ionizing particles are alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, and cosmic rays. The ability of anelectromagnetic wave (photons) to ionize an atom or molecule depends on its frequency, which determines the energy of its associated particle, the photon. Radiation on the short-wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum—high-frequency ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays—is ionizing, due to its composition of high-energy photons. Lower-energy radiation, such as visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves, are not ionizing.[1] The latter types of low-energynon-ionizing radiation may damage molecules, but the effect is generally indistinguishable from the effects of simple heating. Such heating does not produce free radicals until higher temperatures (for example, flame temperatures or "browning" temperatures, and above) are attained. In contrast, damage done by ionizing radiation produces free radicals, even at room temperatures and below, and production of such free radicals is the reason these and other ionizing radiations produce quite different types of chemical effects from (low-temperature) heating. Free radical production is also a primary basis for the particular danger to biological systems of relatively small amounts of ionizing radiation that are far smaller than needed to produce significant heating. Free radicals easily damage DNA, and ionizing radiation may also directly damage DNA by ionizing or breaking DNA molecules.
- Ionizing radiation is ubiquitous in the environment, and also comes from radioactive materials, X-ray tubes, and particle accelerators. It is invisible and not directly detectable by human senses, so instruments such as Geiger counters are usually required to detect its presence. In some cases it may lead to secondary emission of visible light upon interaction with matter, such as in Cherenkov radiation and radioluminescence. It has many practical uses in medicine, research, construction, and other areas, but presents a health hazard if used improperly. Exposure to radiation causes damage to living tissue, and can result in mutation, radiation sickness, cancer,[2] and death.
The associations between ionizing radiation exposure and the development of cancer are based mostly on populations exposed to relatively high levels of ionizing radiation, such as Japanese atomic bomb survivors, and recipients of selected diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures.
Cancers associated with high-dose exposure include leukemia,[17] thyroid, breast, bladder, colon, liver, lung, esophagus, ovarian, multiple myeloma, and stomach cancers. United States Department of Health and Human Servicesliterature also suggests a possible association between ionizing radiation exposure and prostate, nasal cavity/sinuses, pharyngeal and laryngeal, and pancreatic cancer.
The period of time between radiation exposure and the detection of cancer is known as the latent period. Those cancers that may develop as a result of radiation exposure are indistinguishable from those that occur naturally or as a result of exposure to other carcinogens. Furthermore, National Cancer Institute literature indicates that chemical and physical hazards and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet, significantly contribute to many of these same diseases.
Although radiation may cause cancer at high doses and high dose rates, public health data regarding lower levels of exposure, below about 1,000 mrem (10 mSv), are harder to interpret. To assess the health impacts of lower radiation doses, researchers rely on models of the process by which radiation causes cancer; several models that predict differing levels of risk have emerged.
Studies of occupational workers exposed to chronic low levels of radiation, above normal background, have provided mixed evidence regarding cancer and transgenerational effects. Cancer results, although uncertain, are consistent with estimates of risk based on atomic bomb survivors and suggest that these workers do face a small increase in the probability of developing leukemia and other cancers. One of the most recent and extensive studies of workers was published by Cardis, et al. in 2005 .[18]
The linear dose-response model suggests that any increase in dose, no matter how small, results in an incremental increase in risk. The linear no-threshold model (LNT) hypothesis is accepted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission(NRC) and the EPA and its validity has been reaffirmed by a National Academy of Sciences Committee (see the BEIR VII report, summarized in [3]). Under this model, about 1% of a population would develop cancer in their lifetime as a result of ionizing radiation from background levels of natural and man-made sources.
Biological effectsIonizing radiation damages tissue by causing ionization, which disrupts molecules directly and also produces highly reactive free radicals, which attack nearby cells. The net effect is that biological molecules suffer local disruption; this may exceed the body's capacity to repair the damage and may also cause mutations in cells currently undergoing replication.
The biological effects of radiation are thought of in terms of their effects on living cells. For low levels of radiation, the biological effects are so small they may not be detected in epidemiological studies. The body repairs many types of radiation and chemical damage. Biological effects of radiation on living cells may result in a variety of outcomes, including:
- Cells experience DNA damage and are able to detect and repair the damage.
- Cells experience DNA damage and are unable to repair the damage. These cells may go through the process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, thus eliminating the potential genetic damage from the larger tissue.
- Cells experience a nonlethal DNA mutation that is passed on to subsequent cell divisions. This mutation may contribute to the formation of a cancer.
- Cells experience "irreparable DNA damage." Low-level ionizing radiation may induce irreparable DNA damage (leading to replicational and transcriptional errors needed for neoplasia or may trigger viral interactions) leading to pre-mature aging and cancer.[13][14][15]
Other observations at the tissue level are more complicated. These include:
Acute
Acute radiation exposure is an exposure to ionizing radiation that occurs during a short period of time. There are routine brief exposures, and the boundary at which it becomes significant is difficult to identify. Extreme examples include
- Instantaneous flashes from nuclear explosions
- Exposures of minutes to hours during handling of highly radioactive sources
- Laboratory and manufacturing accidents
- Intentional and accidental high medical doses.
The effects of acute events are more easily studied than those of chronic exposure.
Chronic
Exposure to ionizing radiation over an extended period of time is called chronic exposure. The term chronic (Greek cronos = time ) refers to the duration, not the magnitude or seriousness. The natural background radiation is chronic exposure, but a normal level is difficult to determine due to variations. Geographic location and occupation often affect chronic exposure.
Radiation Exposure and Cancer
What is radiation?
Radiation is the emission (sending out) of energy from any source. X-rays are an example of radiation, but so is the light that comes from the sun and the heat that is constantly coming off our bodies.
When talking about radiation and cancer, many people think of specific kinds of radiation such as x-rays or the radiation made by nuclear reactors. But there are different types of radiation, and many of them are not linked to cancer.
Types of radiation
Radiation exists across a spectrum from very high-energy (high-frequency) radiation to very low-energy (low-frequency) radiation. This is sometimes referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum. From highest to lowest energy, the main forms of radiation are:
- Gamma rays
- X-rays
- Ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Visible light
- Infrared rays
- Microwaves
- Radiofrequency (radio) waves
- Extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation
An important distinction that affects the health risks from radiation is whether the energy is ionizing or non-ionizing.
Ionizing radiation is high-frequency radiation that has enough energy to remove an electron from (ionize) an atom or molecule. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to damage the DNA in cells, which in turn may lead to cancer. Gamma rays, x-rays, some high-energy UV rays, and some sub-atomic particles such as alpha particles and protons are forms of ionizing radiation.
Non-ionizing radiation is low-frequency radiation that does not have enough energy to remove electrons or directly damage DNA. Low-energy UV rays, visible light, infrared rays, microwaves, and radio waves are all forms of non-ionizing radiation. Aside from UV rays, these types of radiation are not known to increase cancer risk.
It is important to understand the difference between these types of radiation. For example, the non-ionizing radiation given off by a cell phone or a television screen is not the same as the ionizing radiation you might get from x-rays taken in the hospital.
The types of radiation exposures discussed here include:
- Ionizing radiation from sources such as medical and other man-made forms of radiation, and natural background radiation from the earth and sky.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural and man-made sources.
- Some sources of non-ionizing radiation, including power lines, cell phones, TV and computer screens, and microwaves.
Ionizing radiation
Ionizing radiation has enough energy to knock electrons off of atoms or molecules. This is called ionization. Ionized molecules are unstable and quickly undergo chemical changes.
If ionizing radiation passes through a cell in the body, it can lead to mutations (changes) in the cell's DNA, the part of the cell that contains its genes (blueprints). This could contribute to cancer, or to the death of the cell. The amount of damage in the cell is related to the dose of radiation it receives. The damage takes place in only a fraction of a second, but other changes such as the beginning of cancer may take years to develop.
Types of ionizing radiation include x-rays, gamma rays, some high-energy UV rays, and particles given off by radioactive materials such as alpha particles and protons. These forms of radiation have different energy levels and can penetrate cells to different extents, but all are capable of causing ionization.
Does ionizing radiation cause cancer?
Ionizing radiation is a proven human carcinogen (cancer causing agent). The evidence for this comes from many different sources, including studies of atomic bomb survivors in Japan, people exposed during the Chernobyl nuclear accident, people treated with high doses of radiation for cancer and other conditions, and people exposed to high levels of radiation at work, such as uranium miners.
Most studies on radiation and cancer risk have looked at people exposed to very high doses of radiation in the settings above. It is harder to measure the much smaller increase in cancer risk that might come from much lower levels of radiation exposure. Most studies have not been able to detect an increased risk of cancer among people exposed to low levels of radiation. For example, people living at high altitudes, who are exposed to more natural background radiation from cosmic rays than people living at sea level, do not have noticeably higher cancer rates.
Still, most scientists and regulatory agencies agree that even small doses of ionizing radiation increase cancer risk, although by a very small amount. In general, the risk of cancer from radiation exposure increases as the dose of radiation increases. Likewise, the lower the exposure is, the smaller the increase in risk. But there is no threshold below which ionizing radiation is thought to be totally safe.
Although radiation exposure affects the occurrence of various types of cancer, it does not affect their aggressiveness (tendency to grow and spread).
Types of cancer linked to ionizing radiation
Ionizing radiation increases the risk of certain types of cancer more than others.
The thyroid gland and bone marrow are particularly sensitive to radiation. Leukemia, a type of cancer that arises in the bone marrow, is the most common radiation-induced cancer. Leukemias may appear as early as a few years after radiation exposure.
Other types of cancer can also result from radiation exposure, although they may take longer to develop (usually at least 10 to 15 years). Some of the other cancers most strongly linked to radiation exposure in studies include:
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
These are not necessarily the only cancer types that may be linked to radiation, however.
The types of cancer linked to radiation are also affected by the part of the body that is exposed. For example, people who get pelvic radiation therapy would not be expected to have higher rates of cancers in the head and neck because these areas weren't exposed to radiation.
Other factors may also play a role in how likely a person exposed to radiation is to develop cancer. Age is one such factor - children's growing bodies are more sensitive to radiation than adults. A person may also have gene changes that make their cells more vulnerable to radiation damage, which might in turn raise their risk more than in someone without these gene changes.
Sources of ionizing radiation
People may be exposed to ionizing radiation from 3 main sources:
- Natural background radiation comes from cosmic rays from our solar system and radioactive elements normally present in the soil. This is the major contributor to worldwide radiation exposure.
- Medical radiation comes in the form of diagnostic x-rays and other tests, as well as from radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is currently used to treat some types of cancer and involves dosages many thousand times higher than those used in diagnostic x-rays.
- Non-medical, man-made radiation can come from workplace and other sources, and is also a result of above ground nuclear weapons testing that took place before 1962.
Natural background radiation
We are all exposed to some amount of radiation just from being on this planet. This is known as background radiation. For most people, background radiation accounts for most of their exposure to ionizing radiation during the year. It comes from several different sources.
Cosmic rays: Cosmic rays are radioactive particles that hit the earth from outer space. They come from the sun and from other stars. The earth's atmosphere blocks a portion of these rays, but some of them reach the ground. Because the atmosphere blocks some cosmic rays, exposure is greater at higher altitudes. For example, people who live in Denver, Colorado, which is at a high elevation, are exposed to slightly more cosmic rays than people living at sea level. People are also exposed to higher levels of cosmic rays during airplane flights. Airline pilots and flight attendants, who spend many hours at high elevations, are exposed to more of these rays, but it is not clear if they have an increased risk of cancer because of it.
Radiation in the earth: People are also exposed to small amounts of radiation from radioactive elements that occur naturally in rocks and soil. Some of these may end up in building materials used in houses and other structures. Tiny amounts of radiation may even be found in drinking water and in some plant-based foods as a result of being in contact with the soil. For people who smoke, tobacco can account for a significant portion of the yearly radiation they receive.
Radon: The largest source of natural background radiation for most people is radon. This is an odorless, colorless gas that is formed from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the ground. Radon levels are usually higher inside buildings and homes, especially in levels closer to the ground such as basements. Radon levels can vary a great deal, depending on where you live. For more detailed information on radon and its possible health effects, see our document, Radon.
Medical radiation
Ionizing radiation is used in the diagnosis and treatment of some medical conditions. This can be in the form of radiation that penetrates from outside the body, or radioactive particles that are swallowed or inserted into the body.
Imaging tests: Certain types of imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, and nuclear medicine tests (such as PET scans and bone scans) expose people to low levels of radiation in order to create internal pictures of the body. (MRI and ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation.)
The increased risk of cancer from exposure to any single test is likely to be very small. Still, concerns have been raised in recent years as the average amount of radiation a person is exposed to from medical tests has risen. Children's growing bodies are especially sensitive to radiation.
Because of the very small but real risk, and the fact that radiation exposure from all sources can add up over one's lifetime, imaging tests that use radiation should only be done if there is a good medical reason to do so. The usefulness of the test must always be balanced against the possible risks from exposure to the radiation. In some cases, other imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be an option. But if there is a reason to believe that an x-ray or CT scan is the best way to look for cancer or other diseases, the patient will most likely be helped more than the small dose of radiation can hurt.
For more detailed information on the possible radiation risks from imaging tests, see our document, Imaging (Radiology) Tests.
Radiation therapy: Ionizing radiation is an effective way to treat certain kinds of cancer. During radiation therapy, high doses of ionizing radiation (much higher than those used for imaging tests) are directed at the cancer, resulting in the death of the cancer cells. However, this can lead to DNA mutations in other cells that survive the radiation, which may eventually lead to the development of a second cancer.
Overall, radiation therapy alone does not appear to be a very strong cause of second cancers. This is probably due to the fact that doctors try to focus the radiation on the cancer cells as much as possible, which means few normal cells are exposed to radiation. Still, some studies have linked radiation therapy with an increased risk of leukemia, thyroid cancer, early-onset breast cancer, and some other cancers. The amount of increased risk depends on a number of factors, include the dose of radiation, the location in the body, and the age of the person getting it (younger people are generally at greater risk later on).
If cancer does develop after radiation therapy, it does not happen right away. For leukemias, most cases develop within 5 to 9 years after exposure. In contrast, other cancers often take much longer to develop. Most of these cancers are not seen for 10 years after radiation therapy, and some are diagnosed even more than 15 years later.
When considering radiation exposure from radiation therapy treatment, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. However, some combinations of radiation therapy and chemotherapy are more risky than others. Doctors do their best to ensure the treatment that is given destroys the cancer while minimizing the risk that a secondary cancer will develop later on.
For more information, see our document, Second Cancers Caused by Cancer Treatment.
Other forms of man-made radiation
People may also be exposed to ionizing radiation from other man-made sources.
Nuclear tests and facilities: The United States government conducted above-ground nuclear tests in the South Pacific and in the state of Nevada between 1945 and 1962. Many people in the military at the time were part of training exercises in the area and were exposed to ionizing radiation from these tests. Others were exposed to radiation while working at facilities making the bombs or at other nuclear sites. More information on this topic is available in our document, Cancer Among Military Personnel Exposed to Nuclear Weapons.
Non-military people living near or downwind of nuclear test sites may have also been exposed to radioactive byproducts. Levels of radiation are likely to be higher near these sites, but some radioactive particles from the tests entered the atmosphere and traveled great distances, landing thousands of miles away from the original site. While exposure levels were likely to be higher at the time of testing, some radiation in the soil today is the result of these tests.
People who work in nuclear power plants may be exposed to higher levels of radiation than the general public, although their exposure levels are monitored carefully. Emissions of radiation from nuclear power plants are carefully monitored and controlled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nuclear power plant operations account for less than one-hundredth (1/100) of a percent of the average American's total radiation exposure.
Consumer products: Some consumer products contain small amounts of ionizing radiation.
For example, tobacco products contain low levels of radiation, which may come from the soil it's grown in or the fertilizer used to help it grow. Tobacco may account for a significant portion of the yearly radiation that smokers are exposed to.
Some building materials used in the home or other structures may contain low levels of naturally occurring radiation. This can vary depending on what they're made of, but the levels are unlikely to contribute much to a person's overall exposure to radiation, according to the EPA.
Many smoke detectors contain a small amount of a very low-level radioactive material that helps detect the smoke. This material is sealed in a container and does not pose a significant risk of radiation exposure.
Food irradiation: Ionizing radiation can be used to kill bacteria and other germs on certain foods, which may make them safer to eat and help them last longer. Some people may be concerned that irradiated food may itself contain radiation.
It's important to understand that the radiation does not stay in the food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), irradiating food does not cause it to become radioactive and does not change nutritional value or flavor of the food.
Airport security scanners: In recent years, some airports have begun to use whole body scanners as a way to detect objects hidden by clothing. These scanners are different from the metal detectors most people are familiar with.
One type of body scanner, based on backscatter technology, uses very weak x-rays aimed at the surface of the body to capture a whole body image. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the radiation from such a scan is about the same amount a person gets from cosmic rays when flying for 2 minutes in an airplane at 30,000 feet. A person would need to get more than 1,000 backscatter scans in a year to reach the same dose they'd get from a standard chest x-ray, according to the American College of Radiology (ACR).
The other type of body scanner is based on millimeter wave technology. Neither millimeter wave scanners nor metal detectors use ionizing radiation.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Ultraviolet rays are invisible rays that come mainly from the sun, although they can also come from man-made sources such as tanning beds and welding torches.
In terms of energy, UV rays straddle the border between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. They have more energy than visible light, but not as much as x-rays. Ultraviolet rays often have enough energy to damage the DNA in cells, which means they can cause cancer. But because they don't have enough energy to penetrate deeply into the body, their main effect is on the skin.
Most skin cancers are a direct result of exposure to the UV rays in sunlight. Both basal cell and squamous cell cancers (the most common types of skin cancer) tend to be found on sun-exposed parts of the body, and their occurrence is related to lifetime sun exposure. The risk of melanoma, a more serious but less common type of skin cancer, is also related to sun exposure, although perhaps not as strongly.
While UV rays make up only a tiny fraction of the sun's wavelengths, they are mainly responsible for the damaging effects of the sun on the skin.
Scientists often divide UV radiation into 3 wavelength ranges:
- UVA rays are the weakest of the ultraviolet rays. They can cause skin cells to age and can cause some indirect damage to cells' DNA. UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers.
- UVB rays are slightly stronger. They are mainly responsible for direct damage to the DNA, and are the rays that cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.
- UVC rays are the strongest UV rays. Fortunately, because of this, they react with ozone high in our atmosphere and do not reach the ground. Therefore UVC rays are not present in sunlight and are not normally a risk factor for skin cancer. But they can be found in some man-made sources, such as arc welding torches and mercury lamps.
For more information on UV radiation and cancer risk, see our document, Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.
Non-ionizing radiation
Non-ionizing radiation is low-frequency radiation that does not have enough energy to directly damage DNA.
Common types of non-ionizing radiation include some ultraviolet (UV) rays, visible light, infrared rays, microwaves, and radiofrequency rays (radio waves), and electromagnetic fields. Electrical devices, heaters, and cell phones all emit (send out) non-ionizing radiation.
Concerns have been raised about a possible link between some types of non-ionizing radiation and cancer. The way in which it might do this isn't clear. Non-ionizing radiation doesn't damage DNA directly, but it may be able to affect cells in other ways. The possible links between some of types of non-ionizing radiation and cancer are discussed below. But at this time, non-ionizing radiation has not been established as being able to cause cancer.
Power lines and electrical devices
Electric currents create extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields, which are at the low-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum. We are all exposed to electromagnetic fields from the earth itself and from man-made sources. Examples of man-made sources include power lines, household wiring, and electrical appliances (when they are on).
The possible link between electromagnetic fields and cancer has been a subject of controversy for several decades. Because we are all exposed to different amounts of these fields at different times, the issue has been difficult to study.
One of the main concerns has been whether ELF affects the risk of childhood cancers such as leukemia and brain tumors. In the studies that have looked at a possible link with childhood leukemia, the results have been mixed. If there is an increased risk it is likely to be small, but a weak link cannot be ruled out entirely. Studies of other childhood cancers have generally not found any strong links to electromagnetic fields.
Most studies in adults have not found links between electromagnetic fields and cancer.
It's not clear exactly how electromagnetic fields, a form of low-energy, non-ionizing radiation, could increase cancer risk. Studies of lab animals have generally not found that magnetic fields increase the risk of cancer. The absence of a link in animal studies makes it less likely that human exposure to electromagnetic fields, at home or at work, affects cancer risk.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) describes the scientific evidence suggesting that electromagnetic field exposures pose a health risk as "weak". But because a possible increase in cancer risk can't be ruled out completely, the NIEHS has advised that people concerned about EMF exposure may want to consider practical ways to reduce their exposure, such as finding out where their major EMF sources are and limiting the time spent near them. There are more costly actions, such as burying power lines or moving out of a home, that might also lower EMF exposure. But because scientists aren't sure if EMF poses any health hazards, it's not clear if such actions are warranted, according to the NIEHS.
Television and computer screens
Modern television and computer screens give off several kinds of radiation, most of which is in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range. Concerns have been raised about possible health problems associated with the use of these screens, including cancer and birth defects. The amount of energy given off by these screens is far below government exposure standards, and at this time the available evidence does not support links to either of these health problems. Research in this area continues.
Cell phones and cell phone towers
Cell phones and cell phone towers use radiofrequency and low-level microwave radiation to transmit and receive signals. Neither cell phones nor cell towers have been conclusively linked to increased risks of cancer, but most researchers and government agencies agree that more research on cell phones is needed, especially with regard to long-term use and use among children. For more detailed information, refer to our documents, Cellular Phones and Cellular Phone Towers.
Radiofrequency radiation (radio waves)
Radiofrequency radiation is emitted from radio and television broadcast transmitters, citizen band radios, and electric heaters. There is little evidence that these exposures affect cancer risk.
Microwaves
Microwaves have energy levels in between radio waves and infrared waves. Like other forms of non-ionizing radiation, they do not have enough energy to directly damage DNA. Microwave radiation is used in microwave ovens and radar equipment. Cell phones may also use some low-energy microwaves.
Microwave ovens
Microwave ovens work by using very high levels of microwaves to heat foods. The microwaves are contained within the oven itself. When microwave ovens are used according to instructions, there is no evidence that they pose a health risk to people. Nor do microwaves make food radioactive.
Exposure to high levels of microwaves can have effects on health. Such exposure could lead to a painful burn or to the development of cataracts in the lenses of the eyes. These injuries are caused only by exposure to large amounts of microwave radiation, however, and the small amount that can leak from a microwave oven does not cause these problems.
Some older models of pacemakers might be affected if the person with the pacemaker gets too close to a microwave oven while it is on. This is unlikely to be a concern with modern pacemakers, which are shielded from outside electrical activity.
Radar
Most forms of radar use waves in the microwave range. Questions have been raised about exposure to radar and the risk of developing cancer, such as in police officers who use radar guns in traffic enforcement. To date there is very little evidence to support such a connection, but studies to look at this possibility are ongoing, and governmental recommendations have been made to reduce any possible risk.
Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following related information may also be helpful to you. These materials may be viewed on our web site or ordered from our toll-free number, at 1-800-227-2345.
National organizations and Web sites*
In addition to the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Toll-free number: 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO)
Web site: www.cdc.gov
Toll-free number: 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO)
Web site: www.cdc.gov
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Web site: www.epa.gov
Understanding Radiation: www.epa.gov/radiation/understanding-radiation-overview.html
Web site: www.epa.gov
Understanding Radiation: www.epa.gov/radiation/understanding-radiation-overview.html
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Toll-free number: 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER)
Web site: www.cancer.gov
Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields
Toll-free number: 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER)
Web site: www.cancer.gov
Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Web site: www.niehs.nih.gov
Electric and Magnetic Fields: www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/index.cfmww
Web site: www.niehs.nih.gov
Electric and Magnetic Fields: www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/index.cfmww
*Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society.
No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345or visit www.cancer.org.
References
American College of Radiology. 2010. ACR Statement on Airport Full-body Scanners and Radiation. Accessed at www.acr.org/HomePageCategories/News/ACRNewsCenter/StatementonAirportFullbodyScanners.aspx on February 2, 2010.
Environmental Protection Agency. Radiation Risks and Realities. 2007. Accessed at www.epa.gov/radiation/docs/402-k-07-006.pdf on February 2, 2010.
Environmental Protection Agency. Understanding Radiation: Health Effects. 2009. Accessed at www.epa.gov/radiation/understand/health_effects.html on January 29, 2010.
Food and Drug Administration. Microwave Oven Radiation. 2010. Accessed at www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/ResourcesforYouRadiationEmittingProducts/Consumers/ucm142616.htm on February 5, 2010.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Volume 80: Non-Ionizing Radiation, Part 1: Static and Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) Electric and Magnetic Fields. 2002. Accessed at http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol80/index.php on February 5, 2010.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields.1999. Accessed at www.niehs.nih.gov/health/docs/niehs-report.pdf on February 5, 2010.
National Research Council of the National Academies. Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR VII Phase 2. 2006. Accessed at www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11340 on January 27, 2010.
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