As part of the Australian Government’s EME program, ARPANSA undertakes research to ensure that our evidence-based safety standards and public health advice are up to date. 

Since our EME program was enhanced by the Federal Government in 2020, we have published or financially supported the following research:

Some of our EME program research summaries can be read below:

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: a systematic review of human observational studies – Part II: less researched outcomes

This systematic review found no association with radio wave exposure and various cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid and oral cavity cancers.

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: a systematic review of human observational studies – part I most researched outcomes

A World Health Organization commissioned systematic review into the potential health effects from radio wave exposure finds that mobile phones do not cause head cancers.

Investigating the impact of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment: analysis from a systematic map

ARPANSA and Swinburne University have published a paper that finds good quality studies show no effect from radio waves on plants and animals, while poor-quality studies show an effect.

What evidence exists on the impact of radio waves from human sources like 5G on plants and animals in the environment?

This systematic map paints the research landscape into the effects of radio waves on plants and animals in the environment.

The effect of long-term radiofrequency exposure on cognition in human observational studies: A protocol for a systematic review

A protocol that outlines the steps required for a systematic review of the effect of long-term radiofrequency exposure on cognition in human observational studies. Published January 2022.

What evidence exists on the impact of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment? A systematic map protocol

A systematic map protocol to identify, collate and categorise all relevant evidence on the impact of anthropogenic RF EMF exposure on animals and plants in the environment. Published December 2021.

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: A protocol for a systematic review of human observational studies

A protocol for a systematic review of the scientific literature on cancer hazards from exposure to RF-EMF in humans, commissioned by the World Health Organization. Published December 2021.

Mobile phone use and trends in the incidence of cancers of the parotid and other salivary glands

A study conducted by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the University of Auckland has found no link between mobile phone use and salivary gland cancers. Published August 2021.

Meta-analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies of the biological effects of low-level millimetre waves

ARPANSA and Swinburne University conducted a meta-analysis, which reanalysed the 107 experimental studies on low-level millimetre waves to assess any biological effects. Published March 2021.

5G mobile networks and health—a state-of-the-science review of the research into low-level RF fields above 6 GHz

A state-of-the science review examining the research into the biological and health effects of RF fields above 6 GHz at exposure levels below the ICNIRP occupational limits. Published March 2021.

Radiofrequency Fields and Calcium Movements Into and Out of Cells

An examination of the feasibility of particularly modulated RF coupling to gating mechanisms in VGCCs and a review of studies from the literature from the last 50 years for consistency of outcome. Published November 2020.

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