The electromagnetic spectrum illustration shows the possible frequencies of electromagnetic energy, ranging from extremely low frequencies (such as those from power lines) to exposures from extremely high frequencies (x-rays and gamma rays), and includes both non-ionizing and ionizing radiation.Īt very high levels, RF waves can heat up body tissues. Ionizing radiation can break the chemical bonds in DNA, which might lead to cancer. RF waves are different from stronger ( ionizing) types of radiation such as x-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet (UV) rays. They don’t have enough energy to cause cancer by directly damaging the DNA (genes) inside cells. Like FM radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and heat, RF waves are a form of non-ionizing radiation. This is a form of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum that falls between FM radio waves and microwaves. How do cell phones work?Ĭell phones send signals to (and receive them from) nearby cell towers (base stations) using RF waves. The main concerns have focused on whether cell phones might increase the risk of brain tumors or other tumors in the head and neck area, as these areas are closest to where the phone is usually held while talking or listening on a call. Since then, along with the large and still growing number of cell phone users (both adults and children), the amount of time people spend on their phones has also risen sharply.Ĭell phones give off a form of energy known as radiofrequency (RF) waves, so the safety of cell phone use has raised some concerns. Cellular (cell or mobile) phones first became widely available in the United States in the 1990s.