French agency finds no proven cancer link to mobile phone use

France's national health safety agency has determined that existing scientific research does not demonstrate a proven causal connection between mobile phone usage and cancer development. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) released updated findings Wednesday after examining 250 of the most robust studies from over 1,000 recent scientific publications on radiofrequency exposure.

Comprehensive Scientific Review

The agency's assessment, updating previous evaluations from 2013 and 2016, incorporated major research programs including MOBI-Kids and the US National Toxicology Program. Olivier Merckel, head of ANSES's unit on risks related to physical agents, explained that while some laboratory studies show temporary cellular changes following radiofrequency exposure, these effects typically reverse once exposure ceases. The agency concluded that aggregated data "does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship" between mobile phone radiation and cancer occurrence.

Precautionary Recommendations Despite Findings

Despite the reassuring conclusions, ANSES maintained its recommendation for limiting direct exposure, particularly among children who are considered more vulnerable to potential effects. Merckel advised using "hands-free kit, speaker mode or making calls where reception is good" to keep devices away from the body, emphasizing that these practices "significantly reduce exposure." The agency encouraged a precautionary approach and moderate mobile phone use among minors, noting that 98% of French citizens aged 12 and above now own mobile devices.

Changing Exposure Patterns and Future Research

ANSES noted that while direct exposure from personal devices has decreased due to widespread use of earphones and speakers, environmental exposure has increased in urban areas with the expansion of 4G, 5G networks, and denser antenna systems. The agency highlighted emerging research suggesting possible effects on fertility and brain function that require further investigation. ANSES plans to publish a separate assessment in January focusing specifically on social media's impact on adolescent health, recognizing the evolving nature of digital technology exposure.