Leukemia Archives - EMFSA

EMFSA News Bites March 2026

Editor — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:14:27 +0000

By Wilma Miles | EMFSA | Published: 31 March 2026

EMFSA News Bites March 2026 highlights – ESKAPE and HACEK – What do these terms mean and what has it got to do with your mobile phones, tablets and laptops?

Discover more: EMFSA News Bites March 2026 https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-march-2026-newsletter

Wi-Fi 9

Wi-Fi 8 is still in development but what about Wi-Fi 9 and the role of AI? When is Wi-Fi 9 expected?

Enhanced Light Communications Meets Wi-Fi 9

An emerging IEEE 802.11 amendment focused on Enhanced Light Communications (ELC). What are the implications and the target deployment?

60 GHz and Oxygen

• Can 60 GHz Signals for 5G Steal Oxygen from the Air?
• What does it mean for you?

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems

A recent study raises questions about electronic article surveillance—details in our March newsletter. For instance, what does the study below demonstrate?

Citation: Schneeweiss, P., Hirtl, R., Jhala, T., Ueberbacher, R., Cecil, S., Becker, C., Boemmels, I., Altekoester, C., & Schmid, G. (2026). Electric field strengths and current densities induced inside the body due to exposure to electronic article surveillance (EAS) system antennas compared to ICNIRP’s exposure limits (Accepted manuscript). Journal of Radiological Protection https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6498/ae553b

Peer Review

Is Peer Review Perfect?

Is peer review always a guarantee of scientific claims?

Image adapted from photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

Asbestos in cosmetic talc

An article published in 1977 argued against government-mandated regulatory testing for asbestos in cosmetic talc. The Lancet has now retracted the article for undisclosed industry ties. Full article by Retraction Watch

The Lancet retracts half-century-old unsigned commentary on talc for undisclosed industry ties

Childhood Leukemia

From 8–10 July 2026, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) will host the 8th International Workshop on the Causes of Childhood Leukemia in Munich.

The event is part of a workshop series that aims to advance understanding of the disease’s primary drivers by bringing together international experts to review evidence, share new data, and define priority research directions.

https://events.bfs-strahlenschutz.de/workshopchildhoodleukemia

EMFSA March 2026 Newsletter – The misuse of “natural health” claims

This is important because:

The appeal to “natural” or “health-enhancing” properties can be misleading—and, in this case, hazardous when it involves radioactive substances. Read more about this case in the EMFSA March 2026 Newsletter 2026 https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-march-2026-newsletter

Anti- 5G/EMF Protection: Quantum jewellery https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/anti-5g-emf-protection-quantum-jewellery/

EMFSA March 2026 News Updates logo

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EMFSA August 2023 Newsletter

Editor — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:18:35 +0000

Image: Cape Town Sunset EMFSA

Image: Key words in this month’s newsletter.

Read our newsletter at:

https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/enforcement-monitoring-compliance-configuration-data-transparency

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International Workshop on the causes of childhood leukemia Freising (Munich), November 20-22, 2019

Editor — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 09:33:00 +0000

International Workshop on the causes of childhood leukemia

General Information

Unexplained findings from epidemiological studies in two different areas of radiation protection prompted the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) to intensify the research on the etiology of childhood leukemia: (i) the increased incidence of childhood leukemia near nuclear power plants and (ii) the consistently observed association of the risk for childhood leukemia with exposure to low-level low-frequency magnetic fields. For both findings, no plausible explanation exists according to the current knowledge of biological effects of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. On a nearly bi-annual basis, BfS – and varying partners – jointly organized five scientific meetings to discuss the knowns and unknowns and to define a long-term strategic research agenda towards a better understanding of the main causes of childhood leukemia. As a further follow-up the BfS is organizing a 6th international workshop that will be held in Freising (Munich) on November 20-22, 2019.

The Workshop will discuss current research results and future research directions, focusing on potential mechanisms of childhood leukemia development. In different sessions and two special sessions the following topics will be discussed:

Ionizing and non ionizing radiation as risk factors for childhood leukemia
Mechanisms of leukemia development, including genetic and epigenetic factors, the role of the immune system and environmental risk factors
Background radiation and risk of leukemia
Animal models to study leukemia

The workshop is conducted by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS)) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

For more information please see: https://www.leukemia-workshop.de/general-information/

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Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer: How source of funding affects results.

Editor — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 19:51:48 +0000

Environ Res. 2019 Aug 24;178:108688. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108688. [Epub ahead of print]

Carpenter DO¹.

Author information

1: Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, A Collaborating Centre of the World Health Organization, 5 University Place, Room A 217, Rensselaer, NY, N 12144, USA. Electronic address: Dcarpenter@albany.edu.

Abstract

While there has been evidence indicating that excessive exposure to magnetic fields from 50 to 60 Hz electricity increases risk of cancer, many argue that the evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive. This is particularly the case regarding magnetic field exposure and childhood leukemia. A major goal of this study is to examine how source of funding influences the reported results and conclusions. Several meta-analyses dating from about 2000 all report significant associations between exposure and risk of leukemia. By examining subsequent reports on childhood leukemia it is clear that almost all government or independent studies find either a statistically significant association between magnetic field exposure and childhood leukemia, or an elevated risk of at least OR = 1.5, while almost all industry supported studies fail to find any significant or even suggestive association. A secondary goal of this report is to examine the level of evidence for exposure and elevated risk of various adult cancers. Based on pooled or meta-analyses as well as subsequent peer-reviewed studies there is strong evidence that excessive exposure to magnetic fields increases risk of adult leukemia, male and female breast cancer and brain cancer. There is less convincing but suggestive evidence for elevations in several other cancer types. There is less clear evidence for bias based on source of funding in the adult cancer studies. There is also some evidence that both paternal and maternal prenatal exposure to magnetic fields results in an increased risk of leukemia and brain cancer in offspring. When one allows for bias reflected in source of funding, the evidence that magnetic fields increase risk of cancer is neither inconsistent nor inconclusive. Furthermore adults are also at risk, not just children, and there is strong evidence for cancers in addition to leukemia, particularly brain and breast cancer.

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ANSES publishes new review on the health effects related to exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields

Editor — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 15:03:03 +0000

Health effects related to exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields

ANSES published a new review today (21/6/2019) on the health effects related to exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields.

ANSES’s new expertise aimed to analyze all the new scientific knowledge available on exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and their possible biological and health effects. In order to better characterize the population’s exposure, particularly in relation to their place of residence, ANSES has also funded various measurement campaigns.

Better knowledge of the exposures

Populations are exposed to multiple sources of electromagnetic fields, whether in the outdoor environment via power lines, transport, transformers, or indoor environments via household appliances. The numerous studies conducted since 2010 now make it possible to have a more precise vision of the exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields to which the populations are subjected.They show, in particular, that the highest values in the external environment are measured in particular under very high voltage electrical lines and in the immediate vicinity of the premises of the transformers or the electrical substations. Inside homes, high levels of magnetic field can be produced by household appliances, but exposure to these devices is very short and very localized.

Limit exposure of vulnerable populations near a high-voltage line

In 2010, ANSES highlighted the convergence of epidemiological studies that showed an association between the occurrence of childhood leukemia and exposure to low frequency magnetic fields at levels greater than 0.2 μT or 0.4 μT. Given the new data, the Agency confirms the “limited” level of evidence associated with this long-term effect, even though studies published after 2010 find this association less frequently.

As part of this expertise, ANSES funded a study to quantify the share of the French population, and more specifically children, exposed to such levels of fields emitted by a high-voltage line. This study, conducted by a team from Inserm and the University Hospital of Caen, indicates that about 40,000 children under 15 (0.35% of the population) are exposed to their home at a magnetic field greater than 0 , 4 μT, and about 8,000 children (0.18%) are enrolled in a school with a magnetic field greater than 0.4 μT.

Considering all these results, the Agency reiterates its recommendation to limit, as a precaution, the number of sensitive people exposed around high-voltage lines as well as exposures. As such, it recommends not to install or develop new establishments welcoming sensitive people (hospitals, schools …) in the immediate vicinity of the very high voltage lines, nor to establish new lines above such establishments.

The Agency also emphasizes that current regulations in France only regulate exposure levels close to electricity transmission and distribution lines by respecting a limit value for exposure. The Agency therefore recommends extending this regulatory provision to all sources of electromagnetic fields exposing the general population.

Mastering occupational exposures

Levels of worker exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields vary widely by occupation. A study conducted jointly by the National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Work Accidents and Occupational Diseases (INRS) and the Pension and Occupational Health Insurance Funds (Carsat) showed that some professionals may be exposed to very high field levels, potentially higher than the exposure limit values (1000 μT at 50 Hz), in particular situations such as when using certain industrial machines.

Thus, ANSES reiterates the importance of enforcing regulatory provisions on occupational health and reducing overexposure situations, in particular by adapting workstations. In addition, the Agency recommends that manufacturers of industrial machines emitting low-frequency electromagnetic fields measure the exposure associated with the use of these devices and indicate this on the technical documentation provided to customers and users.

Moreover, at high levels of exposure that may be encountered in the workplace, experimental studies have shown the possibility of biological effects (oxidative stress, genotoxic effects, effects on cell physiology). However, the Agency indicates that the epidemiological studies are too heterogeneous to establish a link between occupational exposure and the appearance of chronic diseases, in particular neurodegenerative diseases and tumors of the nervous system. It appears necessary to continue research on the possible risk of pathologies associated with exposure to low frequency magnetic fields. In addition, the Agency recommends that a next re-evaluation of exposure limit values take into account the latest scientific evidence.

Finally, the Agency draws attention to cases of exposure of the pregnant woman to work. Indeed, it has been shown that in certain occupational exposure scenarios, the induced current density in the fetus may be higher than the limit values recommended for the general population. ANSES therefore recommends that women be better informed and made aware of the regulatory provisions governing their workplace when they are pregnant, in order to limit the exposure of the fetus to low frequency electromagnetic fields.

Source:

https://www.anses.fr/fr/content/effets-sanitaires-li%C3%A9s-%C3%A0-l%E2%80%99exposition-aux-champs-%C3%A9lectromagn%C3%A9tiques-basses-fr%C3%A9quences

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Summary of French TV Program “C à vous” : Interview with Professor Dominique Belpomme

Editor — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 22:42:35 +0000

Following is a summary of this segment by the Editor of “Towards Better Health”.

Anne Sophie Lapix, presenter of the program, refers to Prof. Belpomme’s newest book, “Comment naissent les maladies” [how do diseases arise?] where he says 70-90% of cancers are linked to the environment.

Prof. Belpomme replies that especially now, there is molecular proof. He refers to “epigenetics”: the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression. Radiation, chemical substances, microbes modify proteins in the cell and gene expression which explains why cancers in particular are linked to the environment.

ASL: … a recent WHO report says 10% of cancers are due to atmospheric pollution.

DB: There is also pollution in our plates – pesticides in small doses. Hundreds of scientific articles published in international journals say there is a causal link between these small doses and cancers.

ASL: You say that the considerable increase in cancer over the past years is not just due to living longer or because we more easily diagnose cancer cases.

DB: Cancer is occurring in children and young adults. The awareness of the medical corps of this is rather recent. It is the same for Alzheimer’s – it’s not a disease of aging. We know the it is electromagnetic fields, mercury that is very toxic, destroying neurons especially implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, and certain pesticides. These all contribute to Alzheimer’s. It is the same for autism. Its explosion is an “insult to life”. In Europe and the United States, one in 60 children is born autistic. We find exactly the same causes as in Alzheimer’s. The only thing is that it is during pregnancy that this occurs.

ASL: What is the most dangerous pollution?

DB: Pesticides which cause not just cancer but also diabetes, Alzheimer’s, autism. The other pollution is electromagnetic fields, not just very low frequency but also radiofrequencies and high frequencies.

ASL: You say cell phones should not be used by those under age 20 – only for just a few minutes.

DB: It is recommended that pregnant women never use a cell phone or computer connected to Wi-Fi. Children should never use a cell phone before age 12. For those under age 20, calls should be limited to only 20 minutes a day in segments of 6 minutes.

ASL: Has this been demonstrated?

DB: No! There is confusion regarding public opinion, created by the operators and policy-makers for economic and financial reasons.

My team just published a 20-page article in a prestigious American revue [“Reliable disease biomarkers characterizing and identifying electrohypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity as two etiopathogenic aspects of a unique pathological disorder”]. It is clear today that electrohypersensitivity is a real illness. I have seen in consultation 1,500 cases over the last four years.

ASL: You should even ban baby phones.

DB: You have cognitive disorders in children. An American study says 10% of children less than age 16 is suffering a decrease in IQ. We’ve never seen so much autism in schools. It’s a real problem. Our policy-makers don’t take this into account when wanting to reform schools. We have cordless phones, computers connected to Wi-Fi, and game consoles at home. All this adds to electrosmog.

ASL: Is the diffusion of Wi-Fi criminal?

DB: It is “absolutely unacceptable” especially in public places such as nurseries, schools, and universities.

[Prof. Belpomme then refers to the advice he gives individuals in his book, especially important for children and pregnant women, including protecting oneself in one’s workplace, paying attention to what one eats, one’s choice of clothes and cosmetics, protecting oneself from exposure to radioactivity and electromagnetic waves.]

DB: Environmental prevention is being promoted by health systems, for example, in the United States. We are very much behind in France. It has been scientifically shown that living within 600 meters of a high power transmission line places children at risk for leukemia. We have a huge work to do in France in adopting norms for electromagnetic fields where they are 40 V/m. In Switzerland they are “3 V/m”. There are pesticides in our plates, too many medications on the market…