From the moment we wake up and check our phones to the time we set our alarms at night, we’re relying on devices that emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF - EMFs). These invisible waves are emitted by the tech we use every day – our phones, Wi-Fi routers, laptops, smart watches, and the list goes on. They keep us connected, productive, and entertained, but they also raise an important question: what do these invisible signals mean for our long-term health?

Scientists and health experts across the blog are raising these questions about the impact of wireless exposure. Specifically, they’re looking for a connection between EMFs and cancer . In searching for answers, researchers put together a new scientific review that looked at over 50 animal studies to find out if long-term exposure to RF-EMF could cause cancer.

The results? It’s not a simple yes or no – but this review shed light on potential health impacts that are worth paying attention to. 

This systematic review pulled together data from 40 years’ worth of research on animals exposed to RF radiation – which refers to the EMFs emitted by cell phones and other wireless tech. Specifically, these researchers focused on whether EMF exposure led to specific types of cancer and how strong the evidence was. 

This review only includes animal studies that were designed to look specifically at cancer. This included long-term studies (chronic cancer tests), studies that looked at how cancer starts or develops, and studies using animals that are more likely to develop tumors – mainly rats and mice.

Researchers searched major science databases, including PubMed and Web of Science, and a specialized site focused on EMFs.

Because the studies varied, researchers described the findings in a detailed, specific format instead of combining all the data into one big number. When possible, they also calculated a benchmark dose , which helps estimate the actual level of exposure linked to an increased cancer risk.

From these animal studies, researchers found strong evidence that RF radiation can cause certain cancers. Figuring out what that means for humans, however, isn’t as straightforward. After all, it wouldn’t be safe or ethical to expose people to high levels of RF radiation to see if it causes cancer, but we can take what was found through this research to better understand potential risks, shape safety guidelines, and guide future research that focuses on how and why EMF radiation might affect the human body.

• Heart Schwannomas: Male rats exposed to radiofrequency EMFs showed a significant increase in heart schwannomas – a typically benign tumor that can cause problems if they grow large enough to interfere with heart function.

• Brain Gliomas: There was also an increased incidence of brain gliomas in male rats. These tumors can be either benign or malignant, and originate in the protective cells around the brain and spinal cord.

• Lymphomas: Female mice exposed to EMFs showed an increased incidence of lymphomas across several different studies. 

• Adrenal Gland Tumors: Both male and female rats showed increased adrenal gland tumors, although the number didn’t consistently rise with higher doses of EMF radiation. 

• Liver Tumors: Male mice exposed to EMFs had a higher number of liver tumors, but these also didn’t have consistent dose patterns.

• Lung Tumors: Researchers observed a positive correlation between EMF exposure and bronchioalveolar adenomas and carcinomas in male mice.

Even though some findings were strong, others were less clear. Here are a few of the factors impacting the differing results:

• Variability in Studies: Not all studies were done the same way. Across these studies, there were differences in species, strains, sexes, exposure amounts, and study timelines.

• Dose Responses: While heart and brain tumors showed a clear connection with more exposure, others didn’t follow that pattern.

• Understanding the How: Scientists believe oxidative stress and possibly heat from higher levels of radiation are the culprits behind the cancer connection, but they still don’t fully understand the relationship between EMFs and cancer.

This research only looked at animal studies, but that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant to humans. Scientists often use animal studies to identify possible risks before we see them in people. However, there were some key differences between the exposure these animals faced and our everyday tech use. For example, we typically experience localized exposure from holding our phones to our head or carrying in a certain pocket while study animals were given whole-body exposure.

There are also the biological differences to consider. Some results from animals don’t translate directly to humans, so we don’t yet fully understand how EMF exposure is affecting our bodies. Scientists are questioning whether the SAR (specific absorption rate) – the current metric for setting safety guidelines around EMF exposure – is the most appropriate measurement of exposure. Until we know, it’s wise to keep asking questions, keep pushing for more research, and take steps to mitigate exposure in our own lives. 

To better understand the link between EMFs and cancer, scientists are calling for deeper, more targeted research, especially studies that give a better understanding of how RF radiation leads to biological changes that increase cancer risk.

There’s also a growing need for updated research on 5G technology, since most existing studies focus on older generations of wireless signals. As this review points out, studying the effects of 5G won’t immediately yield answers. Many cancers take years – even decades – to develop. In the researchers' words: “Taking into account the long latency of solid tumors in humans, epidemiological studies on forthcoming wireless frequencies and evaluations will only be informative after the new technology has been in place for 10, 20 or more years.” This is why ongoing research is so critical – it helps us lay the groundwork for long-term insights.

We live in a connected world, full of devices and invisible signals that we move through every day. While the science around long-term exposure to EMF radiation is still unfolding, you don’t have to wait for perfect clarity to start being intentional about your environment.

Just like we open our windows for fresh air or run our water through the best filters, we can start thinking about how we engage with our electromagnetic environment – how to make it cleaner and better aligned with how we want to feel.

That’s where Aires comes in. It’s not a shield or a blocker, and it’s not designed to “fight” technology. It’s a way to optimize your space to promote wellness within the digital world. Think of it like tuning the frequency of your space. It’s not stopping the signal, but it’s helping your body respond in a more balanced way.

These studies can feel concerning, but keeping up with the research isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. When we know what’s going on, we can be more intentional about the choices we make.

Science is evolving, and the story of how EMF radiation impacts our health is still being written. What we know so far from these long-term animal studies suggests that this invisible layer of our environment is more than just digital background noise. It’s part of the ecosystem we live in now – as real as the air we breathe.

There’s no need to panic about these findings, but there’s also no need to wait. Aires presents a new way forward, not blocking out the modern world but working with it. This bridge between innovation and wellbeing respects both our biology and our technology.

It all starts with awareness. Stay curious, stay informed, and take steps to create the environment that helps you feel your best.