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Esposito S, Ruggiero E, Di Castelnuovo A, Costanzo S, Bonaccio M, Bracone F, Esposito V, Innocenzi G, Paolini S, Cerletti C, Donati MB, de Gaetano G, Iacoviello L, Gialluisi A. Identifying brain tumor patients' subtypes based on pre-diagnostic history and clinical characteristics: a pilot hierarchical clustering and association analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1276253. [PMID: 38146510 PMCID: PMC10749422 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1276253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are severe health conditions with increasing incidence in the last years. Different biological, environmental and clinical factors are thought to have an important role in their epidemiology, which however remains unclear. Objective The aim of this pilot study was to identify CNS tumor patients' subtypes based on this information and to test associations with tumor malignancy. Methods 90 patients with suspected diagnosis of CNS tumor were recruited by the Neurosurgery Unit of IRCCS Neuromed. Patients underwent anamnestic and clinical assessment, to ascertain known or suspected risk factors including lifestyle, socioeconomic, clinical and psychometric characteristics. We applied a hierarchical clustering analysis to these exposures to identify potential groups of patients with a similar risk pattern and tested whether these clusters associated with brain tumor malignancy. Results Out of 67 patients with a confirmed CNS tumor diagnosis, we identified 28 non-malignant and 39 malignant tumor cases. These subtypes showed significant differences in terms of gender (with men more frequently presenting a diagnosis of cancer; p = 6.0 ×10-3) and yearly household income (with non-malignant tumor patients more frequently earning ≥25k Euros/year; p = 3.4×10-3). Cluster analysis revealed the presence of two clusters of patients: one (N=41) with more professionally active, educated, wealthier and healthier patients, and the other one with mostly retired and less healthy men, with a higher frequency of smokers, personal history of cardiovascular disease and cancer familiarity, a mostly sedentary lifestyle and generally lower income, education and cognitive performance. The former cluster showed a protective association with the malignancy of the disease, with a 74 (14-93) % reduction in the prevalent risk of CNS malignant tumors, compared to the other cluster (p=0.026). Discussion These preliminary data suggest that patients' profiling through unsupervised machine learning approaches may somehow help predicting the risk of being affected by a malignant form. If confirmed by further analyses in larger independent cohorts, these findings may be useful to create potential intelligent ranking systems for treatment priority, overcoming the lack of histopathological information and molecular diagnosis of the tumor, which are typically not available until the time of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Esposito
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Emilia Ruggiero
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | - Simona Costanzo
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Bracone
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | | | - Sergio Paolini
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Chiara Cerletti
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Libera Università Mediterranea (LUM) “Giuseppe Degennaro”, Casamassima (Bari), Italy
| | - Alessandro Gialluisi
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Libera Università Mediterranea (LUM) “Giuseppe Degennaro”, Casamassima (Bari), Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, Bari, Italy
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Hardell L, Moskowitz JM. A critical analysis of the MOBI-Kids study of wireless phone use in childhood and adolescence and brain tumor risk. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:409-421. [PMID: 35567503 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The MOBI-Kids case-control study on wireless phone use and brain tumor risk in childhood and adolescence included the age group 10-24 years diagnosed between 2010 and 2015. Overall no increased risk was found although for brain tumors in the temporal region an increased risk was found in the age groups 10-14 and 20-24 years. Most odds ratios (ORs) in MOBI-Kids were <1.0, some statistically significant, suggestive of a preventive effect from RF radiation; however, this is in contrast to current knowledge about radiofrequency (RF) carcinogenesis. The MOBI-Kids results are not biologically plausible and indicate that the study was flawed due to methodological problems. For example, not all brain tumor cases were included since central localization was excluded. Instead, all brain tumor cases should have been included regardless of histopathology and anatomical localization. Only surgical controls with appendicitis were used instead of population-based controls from the same geographical area as for the cases. In fact, increased incidence of appendicitis has been postulated to be associated with RF radiation which makes selection of control group in MOBI-Kids questionable. Start of wireless phone use up to 10 years before diagnosis was in some analyses included in the unexposed group. Thus, any important results demonstrating late carcinogenesis, a promoter effect, have been omitted from analysis and may underestimate true risks. Linear trend was in some analyses statistically significant in the calculation of RF-specific energy and extremely low frequency (ELF)-induced current in the center of gravity of the tumor. Additional case-case analysis should have been performed. The data from this study should be reanalyzed using unconditional regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors to increase statistical power. Then all responding cases and controls could be included in the analyses. In sum, we believe the results as reported in this paper seem uninterpretable and should be dismissed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Hardell
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, Studievägen 35, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Joel M Moskowitz
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Uddin M, Dhanta R, Pitti T, Barsasella D, Scholl J, Jian WS, Li YCJ, Hsu MH, Syed-Abdul S. Incidence and Mortality of Malignant Brain Tumors after 20 Years of Mobile Use. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3492. [PMID: 37444602 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Objective: This population-based study was performed to examine the trends of incidence and deaths due to malignant neoplasm of the brain (MNB) in association with mobile phone usage for a period of 20 years (January 2000-December 2019) in Taiwan. (2) Methods: Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and joinpoint regression analysis were used to examine the trends of incidence of MNB and deaths due to MNB in association with mobile phone usage. (3) Results: The findings indicate a trend of increase in the number of mobile phone users over the study period, accompanied by a slight rise in the incidence and death rates of MNB. The compound annual growth rates further support these observations, highlighting consistent growth in mobile phone users and a corresponding increase in MNB incidences and deaths. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest a weaker association between the growing number of mobile phone users and the rising rates of MNB, and no significant correlation was observed between MNB incidences and deaths and mobile phone usage. Ultimately, it is important to acknowledge that conclusive results cannot be drawn at this stage and further investigation is required by considering various other confounding factors and potential risks to obtain more definitive findings and a clearer picture.
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Grants
- 106-2923-E-038-001-MY2, 107-2923-E-038-001 -MY2, 106-2221-E-038-005, 108-2221-E-038-013, 110-2923-E-038-001-MY3 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- 106-3805-004-111, 106-3805-018-110, 108-3805-009-110 Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
- 108-6604-002-400 Ministry of Education, Taiwan
- 106TMU-WFH-01-4 Wanfang hospital, Taiwan
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohy Uddin
- Research Quality Management Section, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rozy Dhanta
- Faculty of Management Sciences and Liberal Arts, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 508976, India
| | - Thejkiran Pitti
- International Center for Health Information Technology (ICHIT), College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Diana Barsasella
- International Center for Health Information Technology (ICHIT), College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, 15F., No. 172-1, Sec. 2, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Records and Health Information, Health Polytechnic of Health Ministry Tasikmalaya, Tasikmalaya 6574, Indonesia
| | | | - Wen-Shan Jian
- International Center for Health Information Technology (ICHIT), College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Jack Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, 15F., No. 172-1, Sec. 2, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Municipal Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Min-Huei Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Data Science, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, 15F., No. 172-1, Sec. 2, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wan-Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Shabbir Syed-Abdul
- International Center for Health Information Technology (ICHIT), College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, 15F., No. 172-1, Sec. 2, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei 110, Taiwan
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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Moon J. The relationship between radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and brain tumor: The brain tumor incidence trends in South Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 226:115657. [PMID: 36906274 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the nationwide cell phone subscription rate and the nationwide incidence of brain tumors in South Korea. The nationwide cell phone subscription rate was used as a proxy for the RF-EMR exposure assessment. METHODS The data for cell phone subscriptions per 100 persons from 1985 to 2019 were found in the Statistics, International Telecom Union (ITU). The brain tumor incidence data from 1999 to 2018 provided by the South Korea Central Cancer Registry operated by the National Cancer Center were used. RESULTS In South Korea, the subscription rate increased from 0 per 100 persons in 1991 to 57 per 100 persons in 2000. The subscription rate became 97 per 100 persons in 2009 and 135 per 100 persons in 2019. For the correlation coefficient between cell phone subscription rate before 10 years and ASIR per 100,000, a positive correlation coefficient with a statistical significance was reported in 3 benign brain tumors (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10 code, D32, D33, and D32.0) and in 3 malignant brain tumors (ICD-10 code, C71.0, C71.1, and C71.2). Positive correlation coefficients with a statistical significance in malignant brain tumors ranged from 0.75 (95% CI 0.46-0.90) for C71.0 to 0.85 (95% CI 0.63-0.93) for C71.1. DISCUSSION In consideration of the fact that the main route for RF-EMR exposure has been through the frontotemporal side of the brain (the location of both ears), the positive correlation coefficient with a statistical significance in the frontal lobe (C71.1) and temporal lobe (C71.2) can be understood. Statistically insignificant results from recent cohort and large population international studies and contrasting results from many previous case-control studies could indicate a difficulty in identifying a factor as a determinant of a disease in ecological study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyoung Moon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inhang-ro 27, Jung-gu, Incheon, 22332, South Korea; Department of Environmental Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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Héroux P, Belyaev I, Chamberlin K, Dasdag S, De Salles AAA, Rodriguez CEF, Hardell L, Kelley E, Kesari KK, Mallery-Blythe E, Melnick RL, Miller AB, Moskowitz JM. Cell Phone Radiation Exposure Limits and Engineering Solutions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5398. [PMID: 37048013 PMCID: PMC10094704 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In the 1990s, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) restricted its risk assessment for human exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in seven ways: (1) Inappropriate focus on heat, ignoring sub-thermal effects. (2) Reliance on exposure experiments performed over very short times. (3) Overlooking time/amplitude characteristics of RFR signals. (4) Ignoring carcinogenicity, hypersensitivity, and other health conditions connected with RFR. (5) Measuring cellphone Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) at arbitrary distances from the head. (6) Averaging SAR doses at volumetric/mass scales irrelevant to health. (7) Using unrealistic simulations for cell phone SAR estimations. Low-cost software and hardware modifications are proposed here for cellular phone RFR exposure mitigation: (1) inhibiting RFR emissions in contact with the body, (2) use of antenna patterns reducing the Percent of Power absorbed in the Head (PPHead) and body and increasing the Percent of Power Radiated for communications (PPR), and (3) automated protocol-based reductions of the number of RFR emissions, their duration, or integrated dose. These inexpensive measures do not fundamentally alter cell phone functions or communications quality. A health threat is scientifically documented at many levels and acknowledged by industries. Yet mitigation of RFR exposures to users does not appear as a priority with most cell phone manufacturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Héroux
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Igor Belyaev
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 814 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kent Chamberlin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Suleyman Dasdag
- Biophysics Department, Medical School, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul 34700, Turkey
| | - Alvaro Augusto Almeida De Salles
- Graduate Program on Electrical Engineering (PPGEE), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil
| | | | - Lennart Hardell
- Department of Oncology, Orebro University Hospital, 701 85 Orebro, Sweden (Retired)
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, 702 17 Orebro, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- ICBE-EMF and International EMF Scientist Appeal, and Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Erica Mallery-Blythe
- Physicians’ Health Initiative for Radiation and Environment, East Sussex TN6, UK
- British Society of Ecological Medicine, London W1W 6DB, UK
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association, Scarborough, QLD 4020, Australia
| | - Ronald L. Melnick
- National Toxicology Program (Retired), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
- Ron Melnick Consulting LLC, North Logan, UT 84341, USA
| | - Anthony B. Miller
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Joel M. Moskowitz
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
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López I, Rivera M, Félix N, Maestú C. It is mandatory to review environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic field measurement protocols and exposure regulations: An opinion article. Front Public Health 2022; 10:992645. [PMID: 36353271 PMCID: PMC9639819 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.992645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel López
- Departamento de Fotónica y Bioingeniería (TFB), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Telecomunicación, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Laboratorio de Bioelectromagnetismo, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Rivera
- Laboratorio de Bioelectromagnetismo, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nazario Félix
- Laboratorio de Bioelectromagnetismo, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Arquitectura y Tecnología de Sistemas Informáticos (DATSI), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ceferino Maestú
- Departamento de Fotónica y Bioingeniería (TFB), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Telecomunicación, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Laboratorio de Bioelectromagnetismo, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,CIBER–BBN Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Ceferino Maestú
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7
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Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G. Environ Health 2022; 21:92. [PMID: 36253855 PMCID: PMC9576312 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the late-1990s, the FCC and ICNIRP adopted radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure limits to protect the public and workers from adverse effects of RFR. These limits were based on results from behavioral studies conducted in the 1980s involving 40-60-minute exposures in 5 monkeys and 8 rats, and then applying arbitrary safety factors to an apparent threshold specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 W/kg. The limits were also based on two major assumptions: any biological effects were due to excessive tissue heating and no effects would occur below the putative threshold SAR, as well as twelve assumptions that were not specified by either the FCC or ICNIRP. In this paper, we show how the past 25 years of extensive research on RFR demonstrates that the assumptions underlying the FCC's and ICNIRP's exposure limits are invalid and continue to present a public health harm. Adverse effects observed at exposures below the assumed threshold SAR include non-thermal induction of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, cardiomyopathy, carcinogenicity, sperm damage, and neurological effects, including electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Also, multiple human studies have found statistically significant associations between RFR exposure and increased brain and thyroid cancer risk. Yet, in 2020, and in light of the body of evidence reviewed in this article, the FCC and ICNIRP reaffirmed the same limits that were established in the 1990s. Consequently, these exposure limits, which are based on false suppositions, do not adequately protect workers, children, hypersensitive individuals, and the general population from short-term or long-term RFR exposures. Thus, urgently needed are health protective exposure limits for humans and the environment. These limits must be based on scientific evidence rather than on erroneous assumptions, especially given the increasing worldwide exposures of people and the environment to RFR, including novel forms of radiation from 5G telecommunications for which there are no adequate health effects studies.
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Castaño-Vinyals G, Sadetzki S, Vermeulen R, Momoli F, Kundi M, Merletti F, Maslanyj M, Calderon C, Wiart J, Lee AK, Taki M, Sim M, Armstrong B, Benke G, Schattner R, Hutter HP, Krewski D, Mohipp C, Ritvo P, Spinelli J, Lacour B, Remen T, Radon K, Weinmann T, Petridou ET, Moschovi M, Pourtsidis A, Oikonomou K, Kanavidis P, Bouka E, Dikshit R, Nagrani R, Chetrit A, Bruchim R, Maule M, Migliore E, Filippini G, Miligi L, Mattioli S, Kojimahara N, Yamaguchi N, Ha M, Choi K, Kromhout H, Goedhart G, 't Mannetje A, Eng A, Langer CE, Alguacil J, Aragonés N, Morales-Suárez-Varela M, Badia F, Albert A, Carretero G, Cardis E. Wireless phone use in childhood and adolescence and neuroepithelial brain tumours: Results from the international MOBI-Kids study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 160:107069. [PMID: 34974237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the possibility that use of mobile communicating devices, particularly wireless (mobile and cordless) phones, may increase brain tumour risk, has been a concern, particularly given the considerable increase in their use by young people. MOBI-Kids, a 14-country (Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain) case-control study, was conducted to evaluate whether wireless phone use (and particularly resulting exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF)) increases risk of brain tumours in young people. Between 2010 and 2015, the study recruited 899 people with brain tumours aged 10 to 24 years old and 1,910 controls (operated for appendicitis) matched to the cases on date of diagnosis, study region and age. Participation rates were 72% for cases and 54% for controls. The mean ages of cases and controls were 16.5 and 16.6 years, respectively; 57% were males. The vast majority of study participants were wireless phones users, even in the youngest age group, and the study included substantial numbers of long-term (over 10 years) users: 22% overall, 51% in the 20-24-year-olds. Most tumours were of the neuroepithelial type (NBT; n = 671), mainly glioma. The odds ratios (OR) of NBT appeared to decrease with increasing time since start of use of wireless phones, cumulative number of calls and cumulative call time, particularly in the 15-19 years old age group. A decreasing trend in ORs was also observed with increasing estimated cumulative RF specific energy and ELF induced current density at the location of the tumour. Further analyses suggest that the large number of ORs below 1 in this study is unlikely to represent an unknown causal preventive effect of mobile phone exposure: they can be at least partially explained by differential recall by proxies and prodromal symptoms affecting phone use before diagnosis of the cases. We cannot rule out, however, residual confounding from sources we did not measure. Overall, our study provides no evidence of a causal association between wireless phone use and brain tumours in young people. However, the sources of bias summarised above prevent us from ruling out a small increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Castaño-Vinyals
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Sadetzki
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - R Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F Momoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Canada; Risk Science International, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - F Merletti
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - J Wiart
- Laboratoire de Traitement et Communication de l'Information (LTCI), Telecom Paris, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - A-K Lee
- Radio Technology Research Department, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - M Taki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Sim
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - B Armstrong
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - G Benke
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - R Schattner
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - H-P Hutter
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - D Krewski
- Risk Science International, Ottawa, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Mohipp
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - P Ritvo
- York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Spinelli
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B Lacour
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumors, CHRU, Nancy, France; Inserm UMR 1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Paris University, Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris, France
| | - T Remen
- Inserm UMR 1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Paris University, Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris, France
| | - K Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Weinmann
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - E Th Petridou
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece; Dept of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - M Moschovi
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - A Pourtsidis
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - K Oikonomou
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - P Kanavidis
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - E Bouka
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - R Dikshit
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
| | - R Nagrani
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Achterstrasse 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - A Chetrit
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - R Bruchim
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - M Maule
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - E Migliore
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - G Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - L Miligi
- Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology Branch, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - S Mattioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy
| | - N Kojimahara
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - N Yamaguchi
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Saiseikai Research Institute of Care and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - K Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - H Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - G Goedhart
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - A Eng
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - C E Langer
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Alguacil
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Salud y Medio Ambiente (RENSMA), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - N Aragonés
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology Section, Public Health Division, Department of Health of Madrid, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Morales-Suárez-Varela
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Badia
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Albert
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Carretero
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - E Cardis
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Cao X, Cheng Y, Xu C, Hou Y, Yang H, Li S, Gao Y, Jia P, Wang Y. Risk of Accidents or Chronic Disorders From Improper Use of Mobile Phones: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e21313. [PMID: 35049511 PMCID: PMC8814932 DOI: 10.2196/21313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phone use has brought convenience, but the long or improper use of mobile phones can cause harm to the human body. Objective We aimed to assess the impact of improper mobile phone use on the risks of accidents and chronic disorders. Methods We systematically searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies published prior to April 5, 2019; relevant reviews were also searched to identify additional studies. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall pooled estimates. Results Mobile phone users had a higher risk of accidents (relative risk [RR] 1.37, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.55). Long-term use of mobile phones increased accident risk relative to nonuse or short-term use (RR 2.10, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.70). Compared with nonuse, mobile phone use resulted in a higher risk for neoplasms (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.14), eye diseases (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.23), mental health disorders (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32), and headaches (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.32); the pooled risk of other chronic disorders was 1.20 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.59). Subgroup analyses also confirmed the increased risk of accidents and chronic disorders. Conclusions Improper use of mobile phones can harm the human body. While enjoying the convenience brought by mobile phones, people have to use mobile phones properly and reasonably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxi Cao
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- School of Public Administration, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yangyang Cheng
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenjie Xu
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yabing Hou
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongxi Yang
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shu Li
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Jia
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaogang Wang
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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10
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Hardell L, Carlberg M. Lost opportunities for cancer prevention: historical evidence on early warnings with emphasis on radiofrequency radiation. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:585-597. [PMID: 33594846 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Some historical aspects on late lessons from early warnings on cancer risks with lost time for prevention are discussed. One current example is the cancer-causing effect from radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Studies since decades have shown increased human cancer risk. The fifth generation, 5G, for wireless communication is about to be implemented world-wide despite no comprehensive investigations of potential risks to human health and the environment. This has created debate on this technology among concerned people in many countries. In an appeal to EU in September 2017, currently endorsed by more than 400 scientists and medical doctors, a moratorium on the 5G deployment was required until proper scientific evaluation of negative consequences has been made (www.5Gappeal.eu). That request has not been taken seriously by EU. Lack of proper unbiased risk evaluation of the 5G technology makes adverse effects impossible to be foreseen. This disregard is exemplified by the recent report from the International Commission on non-ionizing radiation protection (ICNIRP) whereby only thermal (heating) effects from RF radiation are acknowledged despite a large number of reported non-thermal effects. Thus, no health effects are acknowledged by ICNIRP for non-thermal RF electromagnetic fields in the range of 100 kHz-300 GHz. Based on results in three case-control studies on use of wireless phones we present preventable fraction for brain tumors. Numbers of brain tumors of not defined type were found to increase in Sweden, especially in the age group 20-39 years in both genders, based on the Swedish Inpatient Register. This may be caused by the high prevalence of wireless phone use among children and in adolescence taking a reasonable latency period and the higher vulnerability to RF radiation among young persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Hardell
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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11
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Santos BL, Oliveira AMP, Oliveira HA, Amorim RLOD. Primary central nervous system tumors in Sergipe, Brazil: descriptive epidemiology between 2010 and 2018. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 79:S0004-282X2021005014201. [PMID: 34231652 PMCID: PMC9394575 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a heterogeneous group with high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiology of primary CNS tumors diagnosed in the state of Sergipe from 2010 to 2018. METHODS We evaluated histopathological and immunohistochemical reports on primary CNS tumors diagnosed in Sergipe, Brazil, between 2010 and 2018 and collected data regarding age, sex, location, World Health Organization (WHO) classification and histology. RESULTS Altogether, 861 primary CNS tumors were found. Tumors in brain locations occurred most frequently (50.8%; n=437). The neoplasms observed were most prevalent in the age range 45‒54 years (20.4%; n=176). Grade I tumors occurred most frequently, corresponding to 38.8% of the cases (n=38) in the age group of 0‒14 years, and 44.6% (n=340) in the population ≥15 years old. Between 0 and 14 years of age, other astrocytic tumors were the most prevalent (29.6%; n=29). In the age group between 15 and 34, gliomas were the most frequent (32.7%; n=54). Meningiomas predominated in the age group of 35 years and above, comprising 47.5% of cases (n=206) in the 35‒74 age group; and 61.2% (n=30) among patients over 75 years old. CONCLUSION The epidemiology of primary CNS tumors in Sergipe between 2010 and 2018 is consistent with data in other current studies on the subject. Studies on the epidemiological evolution of these entities in Sergipe are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Loiola Santos
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Departamento de Medicina de Lagarto, Lagarto SE, Brazil
| | - Arthur Maynart Pereira Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Departamento de Medicina, Aracaju SE, Brazil
- Fundação de Beneficência Hospital de Cirurgia, Serviço de Neurocirurgia, Aracaju SE, Brazil
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12
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Hardell L, Carlberg M. Health risks from radiofrequency radiation, including 5G, should be assessed by experts with no conflicts of interest. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:15. [PMID: 32774488 PMCID: PMC7405337 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The fifth generation, 5G, of radiofrequency (RF) radiation is about to be implemented globally without investigating the risks to human health and the environment. This has created debate among concerned individuals in numerous countries. In an appeal to the European Union (EU) in September 2017, currently endorsed by >390 scientists and medical doctors, a moratorium on 5G deployment was requested until proper scientific evaluation of potential negative consequences has been conducted. This request has not been acknowledged by the EU. The evaluation of RF radiation health risks from 5G technology is ignored in a report by a government expert group in Switzerland and a recent publication from The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Conflicts of interest and ties to the industry seem to have contributed to the biased reports. The lack of proper unbiased risk evaluation of the 5G technology places populations at risk. Furthermore, there seems to be a cartel of individuals monopolizing evaluation committees, thus reinforcing the no-risk paradigm. We believe that this activity should qualify as scientific misconduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Hardell
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michael Carlberg
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
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13
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Durdik M, Kosik P, Markova E, Somsedikova A, Gajdosechova B, Nikitina E, Horvathova E, Kozics K, Davis D, Belyaev I. Microwaves from mobile phone induce reactive oxygen species but not DNA damage, preleukemic fusion genes and apoptosis in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16182. [PMID: 31700008 PMCID: PMC6838175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52389-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been associated with the increased risk of childhood leukemia, which arises from mutations induced within hematopoietic stem cells often through preleukemic fusion genes (PFG). In this study we investigated whether exposure to microwaves (MW) emitted by mobile phones could induce various biochemical markers of cellular damage including reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA single and double strand breaks, PFG, and apoptosis in umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells including CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. UCB cells were exposed to MW pulsed signals from GSM900/UMTS test-mobile phone and ROS, apoptosis, DNA damage, and PFG were analyzed using flow cytometry, automated fluorescent microscopy, imaging flow cytometry, comet assay, and RT-qPCR. In general, no persisting difference in DNA damage, PFG and apoptosis between exposed and sham-exposed samples was detected. However, we found increased ROS level after 1 h of UMTS exposure that was not evident 3 h post-exposure. We also found that the level of ROS rise with the higher degree of cellular differentiation. Our data show that UCB cells exposed to pulsed MW developed transient increase in ROS that did not result in sustained DNA damage and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matus Durdik
- Deparment of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Pavol Kosik
- Deparment of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Markova
- Deparment of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Alexandra Somsedikova
- Deparment of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Beata Gajdosechova
- Deparment of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ekaterina Nikitina
- Department of Oncovirology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Eva Horvathova
- Deparment of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Kozics
- Deparment of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Devra Davis
- The Hebrew University Hadassah School of Medicine, and Environmental Health Trust, Washington, USA
| | - Igor Belyaev
- Deparment of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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14
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Hardell L, Carlberg M. Comments on the US National Toxicology Program technical reports on toxicology and carcinogenesis study in rats exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 900 MHz and in mice exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 1,900 MHz. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:111-127. [PMID: 30365129 PMCID: PMC6254861 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the use of handheld mobile and cordless phones, the brain is the main target of radiofrequency (RF) radiation. An increased risk of developing glioma and acoustic neuroma has been found in human epidemiological studies. Primarily based on these findings, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at the World Health Organization (WHO) classified in May, 2011 RF radiation at the frequency range of 30 kHz‑300 GHz as a 'possible' human carcinogen, Group 2B. A carcinogenic potential for RF radiation in animal studies was already published in 1982. This has been confirmed over the years, more recently in the Ramazzini Institute rat study. An increased incidence of glioma in the brain and malignant schwannoma in the heart was found in the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on rats and mice. The NTP final report is to be published; however, the extended reports are published on the internet for evaluation and are reviewed herein in more detail in relation to human epidemiological studies. Thus, the main aim of this study was to compare earlier human epidemiological studies with NTP findings, including a short review of animal studies. We conclude that there is clear evidence that RF radiation is a human carcinogen, causing glioma and vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). There is some evidence of an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer, and clear evidence that RF radiation is a multi‑site carcinogen. Based on the Preamble to the IARC Monographs, RF radiation should be classified as carcinogenic to humans, Group 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Hardell
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital, SE-701 85 Örebro
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE 702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michael Carlberg
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital, SE-701 85 Örebro
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE 702 17 Örebro, Sweden
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15
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Belpomme D, Hardell L, Belyaev I, Burgio E, Carpenter DO. Thermal and non-thermal health effects of low intensity non-ionizing radiation: An international perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:643-658. [PMID: 30025338 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to low frequency and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields at low intensities poses a significant health hazard that has not been adequately addressed by national and international organizations such as the World Health Organization. There is strong evidence that excessive exposure to mobile phone-frequencies over long periods of time increases the risk of brain cancer both in humans and animals. The mechanism(s) responsible include induction of reactive oxygen species, gene expression alteration and DNA damage through both epigenetic and genetic processes. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate adverse effects on male and female reproduction, almost certainly due to generation of reactive oxygen species. There is increasing evidence the exposures can result in neurobehavioral decrements and that some individuals develop a syndrome of "electro-hypersensitivity" or "microwave illness", which is one of several syndromes commonly categorized as "idiopathic environmental intolerance". While the symptoms are non-specific, new biochemical indicators and imaging techniques allow diagnosis that excludes the symptoms as being only psychosomatic. Unfortunately standards set by most national and international bodies are not protective of human health. This is a particular concern in children, given the rapid expansion of use of wireless technologies, the greater susceptibility of the developing nervous system, the hyperconductivity of their brain tissue, the greater penetration of radiofrequency radiation relative to head size and their potential for a longer lifetime exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Belpomme
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Paris V University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Lennart Hardell
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Oncology, Orebro University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Igor Belyaev
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Science, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Laboratory of Radiobiology, Institute of General Physics, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Instituto Scientifico Biomedico Euro Mediterraneo, Mesagne, Italy
| | - David O Carpenter
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia.
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16
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Trends in the incidence of primary brain, central nervous system and intracranial tumors in Israel, 1990–2015. Cancer Epidemiol 2018; 56:6-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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17
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Li K, Lu D, Guo Y, Wang C, Liu X, Liu Y, Liu D. Trends and patterns of incidence of diffuse glioma in adults in the United States, 1973-2014. Cancer Med 2018; 7:5281-5290. [PMID: 30175510 PMCID: PMC6198197 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of the study was to identify trends in incidence of adult diffuse gliomas in the United States and evaluate the contribution of age, period, and cohort effects to the trends. METHODS Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 9 database, primary diffuse glioma patients (≥20 years old) diagnosed from 1973 to 2014 were identified. Incidence trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort modeling. RESULTS Overall, the incidence for adult glioma decreased slowly from 1985 to 2014 (annual percent change [APC] = 0.5%, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.3%-0.6%). In histology subtype-stratified analysis, glioblastoma and nonglioblastoma exhibited opposite trends. The incidence for glioblastoma increased from 1978 to 2014 (APC for year 1978-1992 = 2.7%, 95% CI, 1.8%-3.6%; APC for 1992-2014 = 0.3%, 95% CI, 0%-0.6%), while the incidence for nonglioblastoma decreased significantly from 1982 to 2014 (APC = 2.2%, 95% CI, 2.0%-2.5%). Age-period-cohort modeling revealed significant period and cohort effects, with the patterns for glioblastoma and nonglioblastoma distinctive from each other. Compared with adults born 1890s, those born 1920s had approximately 4-fold the risk of glioblastoma after adjustment of age and period effects, while the risk of nonglioblastoma was reduced by half in individuals in the 1939 cohort as compared with those in the 1909 cohort. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis of etiological heterogeneity of diffuse gliomas by histology subtypes. The established risk factors cannot fully explain the distinct patterns by histology subtypes, which necessitate further epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Medical Examination Center, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yazhou Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China
| | - Changwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China
| | - Dezhong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China
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18
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Alahmad YM, Aljaber M, Saleh AI, Yalcin HC, Aboulkassim T, Yasmeen A, Batist G, Moustafa AEA. Effect of cell-phone radiofrequency on angiogenesis and cell invasion in human head and neck cancer cells. Head Neck 2018; 40:2166-2171. [PMID: 29756334 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today, the cell phone is the most widespread technology globally. However, the outcome of cell-phone radiofrequency on head and neck cancer progression has not yet been explored. METHODS The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and human head and neck cancer cell lines, FaDu and SCC25, were used to explore the outcome of cell-phone radiofrequency on angiogenesis, cell invasion, and colony formation of head and neck cancer cells, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the impact of the cell phone on the regulation of E-cadherin and Erk1/Erk2 genes. RESULTS Our data revealed that cell-phone radiofrequency promotes angiogenesis of the CAM. In addition, the cell phone enhances cell invasion and colony formation of human head and neck cancer cells; this is accompanied by a downregulation of E-cadherin expression. More significantly, we found that the cell phone can activate Erk1/Erk2 in our experimental models. CONCLUSION Our investigation reveals that cell-phone radiofrequency could enhance head and neck cancer by stimulating angiogenesis and cell invasion via Erk1/Erk2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tahar Aboulkassim
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital
| | - Amber Yasmeen
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital
| | - Gerald Batist
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital.,Oncology Department, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Oncology Department, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Syrian Research Cancer Centre of the Syrian Society against Cancer, Aleppo, Syria
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19
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Mortazavi SMJ. Commentary: Geographic Variations in the Incidence of Glioblastoma and Prognostic Factors Predictive of Overall Survival in US Adults from 2004-2013. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:105. [PMID: 29708188 PMCID: PMC5906709 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S M J Mortazavi
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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