WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated a new study to examine whether electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellphones, cell towers, and other wireless devices poses health risks to the American public. This move comes amid growing public concern and scientific debate over the safety of radio frequency radiation (RFR) exposure in everyday life.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon confirmed that the agency is undertaking this research to identify gaps in current knowledge, especially regarding emerging technologies. “The FDA removed web pages with old conclusions about cellphone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research to identify gaps in knowledge, including on new technologies, to ensure safety and efficacy,” Nixon said.
The study aligns with recommendations from the Medical Advanced Health Agency (MAHA) Commission, established under the Trump administration, which released a strategy report last year urging federal officials to address the widespread exposure to electromagnetic radiation from devices such as cellphones, Wi-Fi routers, cell towers, and wearable technology like smartwatches.
The concern over RFR is not new. In 2018, the National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), published findings indicating “clear evidence” that high exposure to radio frequency radiation was linked to cancer in male rats. However, the implications for human health remain uncertain, prompting the current HHS study to provide more definitive answers.
“In our studies, rats and mice received RFR across their whole bodies,” the NTP reported, highlighting the need to understand how similar exposures might affect humans. The new HHS initiative will build upon these findings, employing updated methodologies to assess the safety of electromagnetic radiation in the context of modern technology usage.
Experts emphasize that with the pervasive use of wireless devices in daily life, understanding the long-term health effects is critical. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates exposure limits for radiofrequency emissions, but public skepticism persists, fueled by inconsistent messaging and evolving scientific data.
As part of the study, HHS will collaborate with other federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which previously maintained webpages summarizing the safety of cellphone radiation but recently removed them to reflect the ongoing research and evolving understanding.
Public health advocates and researchers alike welcome the study, viewing it as a necessary step to ensure that safety standards keep pace with technological advancements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also monitors environmental health risks and will likely contribute expertise as the study progresses.
While the research is underway, experts recommend prudent use of wireless devices, such as using hands-free options and limiting prolonged exposure, especially among children, until more conclusive evidence is available.
The HHS study represents a significant federal commitment to addressing a complex and evolving public health issue, aiming to provide clear guidance to Americans navigating an increasingly wireless world.
