Review date

March 2024

Article publication date

March 2024

Summary

This prospective cohort study on Mobile Phones and Health (COSMOS), examined association between long-term mobile phone use and risk of brain tumours. The study recruited 264,574 adult participants in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK during 2007–2012. Data on brain tumour (glioma, meningioma or acoustic neuroma) occurrence in the participants was obtained through cohort linkage to respective national cancer registries. Data on the participants’ mobile phone use (number of years since start of regular mobile phone use or cumulative hours of mobile phone call-time) were collected from the participants at baseline (i.e., at the beginning of the study). A total of 149 participants were diagnosed with glioma, 89 with meningioma, and 29 with acoustic neuroma during follow-up (median follow-up of 7.1 years). The risk estimate per 100 cumulative hours of mobile phone call-time was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98–1.02) for glioma, 1.01 (95% CI: 0.96–1.06) for meningioma, and 1.02 (95% CI: 0.99–1.06) for acoustic neuroma. Over 15 years of mobile phone use was not associated with an increased tumour risk. These results showed that the cumulative amount of mobile phone use is not associated with the risk of developing glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma.

Published in

Environmental International

Link to

Mobile phone use and brain tumour risk – COSMOS, a prospective cohort study

ARPANSA commentary

The conclusion of the study demonstrate that long-term mobile phone use is not associated with the risk of developing glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma. The overall conclusion of this study is consistent with the findings of previous prospective cohort studies (Schuz et al., 2022; Schuz et al., 2011; Frei et al., 2011), the Interphone case-control study  (Interphone Study Group, 2010), a recent review by the US Food and Drug Administration on RF-EMF and Cancer, and studies investigating trends in brain tumour incidence rates over time (Elwood et al., 2022; Deltour et al., 2022), including an Australia study (Karipidis et al., 2018). 

The current study has a major strength over previous studies that it is the largest multinational prospective cohort study. The study adopted a robust approach for collecting detailed data on the participants’ mobile phone usage to overcome the limitation of recall bias, exposure measurement error and exposure misclassification to a large extent, which otherwise would have biased the risk estimates. Notable limitations of the study include the collection of mobile phone use data only at baseline, and inclusion of relatively small numbers of meningioma and acoustic neuroma cases, which limits the statistical power of the study.

Based on the current scientific evidence, and consistent with the findings of this study, it is the assessment of ARPANSA that there is no substantiated evidence that mobile phone use (resulting in RF-EMF exposures at levels below the limits set in the ARPANSA Safety Standard) cause any adverse health effects, including brain tumours in humans populations. The World Health Organization is currently assessing available evidence on potential human health effects (including brain tumours) of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposure, including that associated with mobile phone use. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is supporting this process.

Review date

March 2024

Article publication date

11 January 2024

Summary

This prospective cohort study examined the association between primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours and chronic external occupational exposure to gamma radiation. The study included 22,377 workers from Mayak Production Association that had been hired to work at a facility with reactors, radiochemical production or plutonium production plants between 1948 and 1982. Radiation exposure was estimated based on ‘Mayak Worker Dosimetry System—2013’ (MWDS 2013). A total of 43 workers who were acutely exposed to radiation and developed acute radiation syndrome as well as 717 workers with missing medical records were excluded from the analysis. The authors examined the excess relative risk of all CNS, glioma and meningioma per Gray (Gy) of external gamma dose. They reported ERR per 1 Gy of external gamma brain dose was 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.30 to 0.70) for all CNS tumours, −0.18 (95% CI 0 to 0.44) for gliomas, and 0.38 (95% CI −0.32 to 2.08) for meningiomas. The study concluded no statistically significant association between ionising radiation (IR) exposure and incidence of any CNS cancer type among the workers.  

Published in

Radiation and Environmental Biophysics 

Link to

Risk of central nervous system tumour incidence in a cohort of workers chronically exposed to ionising radiation

ARPANSA commentary

The study found no association between low chronic external exposure to gamma radiation and CNS cancers. This is similar to a study by Kitahara et al (2017), which showed absence of association  between low to moderate cumulative occupational radiation exposure and CNS cancers in radiation technologists (ERR per 100 mGy: 0.1; 95% CI: −0.30 to 1.50). Another study (Boice et al 2022) of medical radiation workers in the United States also found no significant association between cumulative absorbed doses of radiation ( 18.9 mGy - 1.08 Gy) and brain cancers (ERR at 100 mGy = 0.20; 95% CI: − 0.30 to 0.71). The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) states that at low levels (less than 0.1 Gray) IR exposure, the possible increased risk of cancer is uncertain. However, it remains important to track doses of occupational radiation in workplaces as the doses of 100-1000 millisieverts can increase the risk of cancer. 

ARPANSA publishes a series of evidence-based documents to guide Australian radiation protection principles and practices for radiation workers and the general public. For example,The Code for Radiation Protection in Planned Exposure Situations (2020)established a framework in Australia for the protection of occupationally exposed persons, the public and the environment in planned IR exposure situations. A planned exposure situation, is an exposure arising from the planned operation of a radiation source or facility that causes exposure to a radiation source is called a ‘planned exposure’ and in these planned exposure situations, some level of exposure can be expected to occur. The guideline applies the three main principles of radiation protection for planned exposure situations: i) justification (that any activity involving IR exposure should do more good than harm), ii) optimisation (that actual IR exposure, likelihood of exposures and number of exposed persons should be as low as reasonably achievable taking into account economic and societal factors), and iii) dose limits (levels of radiation dose that must not, under normal circumstances, be exceeded). ARPANSA will continue to update the latest science on human radiation protection, including cancer risk associated with IR exposure, in order to protect Australian general public and occupational populations.

18 March 2024

Emergency preparedness staff and scientists at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) were formally recognised for their work last year locating a lost radioactive source in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.  

As the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety, ARPANSA assisted Western Australian authorities under the Commonwealth Disaster Response Plan, along with officials from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and other Australian Government bodies. 

Each organisation was recognised by the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Deputy Commissioner at a ceremony on Tuesday 12 March 2024.

WA DFES Deputy Commissioner Operations Craig Waters AFSM said that recognising each agency was a way to officially say thank you for their comprehensive work and dedication to recovering the capsule to keep Western Australia safe.   

‘Finding the capsule in such a short space of time was an extraordinary result – and a terrific example of partner agencies working effectively together regardless of state or national jurisdictions,’ he said.   

‘While DFES has specialist staff trained in radiation risk, the expertise and equipment provided by Commonwealth agencies such as the Australian Nuclear and Science Technology Organisation, Australian Defence Force and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency was vital.

‘The Certificates of Appreciation were a way to officially say thank you to each agency for their comprehensive work and dedication to recovering the capsule to keep Western Australia safe.’

ARPANSA’s Emergency Management Director Scott Muston says the agency is committed to assisting authorities in protecting Australians from the harmful effects of radiation.

‘We provided two operations teams of scientists, a liaison officer and specialised radiation detection equipment to support this search,’ he said.

‘The equipment is used by ARPANSA as part of our regulation of Commonwealth entities, emergency response and to survey background radiation across Australia.’

‘Past surveys have helped us develop a picture of the levels of naturally occurring radiation in the environment, which is useful for emergency preparedness.’     

‘Finding this tiny caesium-137 capsule in the vast outback serves as an example of Australia’s world-class expertise and specialised radiation detection capability.’

ARPANSA’s radiation detection capability

ARPANSA’s radiation detection capability includes the ARPANSA Gamma Mapping System and the US Department of Energy’s Spectral Advanced Radiological Computer System.

Our Gamma Mapping System was designed with Australian conditions in mind such as needing to be rugged and able to cover vast territory.

ARPANSA’s radiation detection system, which comprises of sodium iodide detectors and radiation measurement software, was used in the early 2000s to map Australia’s background radiation.

Both the US and ARPANSA radiation detectors can readily be installed in a vehicle, boat, or aircraft to search for lost or stolen radioactive sources, conduct background surveys over wide areas, and perform monitoring at major public events, provide port-of entry and border crossing surveillance, perform maritime surveys of small watercraft and marinas, and conduct low altitude aerial searches.

‘ARPANSA and Australia more broadly has strong expertise and capability in radiation detection which has proven extremely useful in both radiation measurements and in situations like the WA missing source’, said Mr Muston.

For more information:

• Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Response
• ARPANSA joins search for missing radioactive source

15 February 2024

The SunSmart Global UV app, which puts sun protection in people’s palms, is celebrating its one-year anniversary in Australia in February 2024.

The app uses forecast information from the Bureau of Meteorology and live UV data from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to provide sun protection times across Australia and the world said ARPANSA’s Director of Radiation Research and Advice, Associate Professor Sarah Loughran.

‘Even when UV reaches extreme levels, it can’t be seen or felt, but through the free app people receive real-time, location specific updates so they know when the UV index hits 3 sun protection is required’, said A/Prof Loughran.

‘As the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection, we work with Cancer Councils of Australia to encourage sun protective behaviours like Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide – which we know is effective in preventing skin cancer.’

The app has been downloaded almost 200,000 (198,833) times in Australia, providing users with real-time UV and sun protection advice at their fingertips said Head of SunSmart Victoria, Emma Glassenbury.

‘Being outdoors in Australia means we’re exposed to some of the harshest and most dangerous levels of UV radiation in the world, and this is reflected in our skin cancer rates with more than two in three Aussies diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime.

‘Exposure to UV radiation is responsible for 95% of melanoma and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers, yet too many people are unaware of what the UV level is where they are and when to cover up to prevent skin cancer,’ said Ms Glassenbury.

The app, which tailors the times of day when sun protection is recommended to any location, has the potential to save lives across the globe and sets a worldwide approach to UV reporting and public health messaging.

Recognising a UV knowledge gap, the Cancer Council Victoria’s SunSmart program, supported by ARPANSA, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organization and the World Meteorological Organization, developed the free global app to bring users daily sun protection information.

In the lead up to Australian summer, when the UV index consistently reaches extreme levels, the app was downloaded almost 35,000 times by Aussies with close to 100,000 active users each month checking UV levels to protect themselves.

Outside of Australia, the top countries with the most app downloads are Germany (28,884), Spain (19,942), United States (11,917), Egypt (10,832) and Italy (7,735).

The SunSmart Global UV app is free for download through Apple and Google Play Stores and is available in eight languages including English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Chinese and Russian.

When the UV is 3 and above, ARPANSA recommends sun protective behaviour:

• slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
• slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF50 or higher sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards
• slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears
• seek shade
• slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.

For more information or to download the app, visit: https://www.sunsmart.com.au/resources/sunsmart-app

11 January 2024

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) expert Ken Karipidis has been elected incoming International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Vice Chair.  

A/Prof Karipidis, ARPANSA's Health Impact Assessment Assistant Director, notes that ICNIRP is regarded as the leading health authority on non-ionising radiation protection.  

‘This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the international effort to further understand non-ionising radiation exposure and protection,’ A/Prof Karipidis said.  

‘Where countries don't have their own guidelines or regulations they rely on ICNIRP.  

‘In Australia, we also use ICNIRP’s guidelines to inform the development of our own exposure standards. 

‘I look forward to working with ICNIRP and bringing this experience to my role at ARPANSA undertaking research, developing safety standards, and providing public health advice related to non-ionising radiation exposure and protection.’  

Working with international health authorities, like ICNIRP, allows ARPANSA to ensure that international best practice is applied to the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation in Australia.    

A/Prof Karipidis’ appointment will commence July 2024. He first joined ICNIRP in 2015 as a member of the scientific expert group. Prior to being elected Vice Chair, he served as chair of the non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes project group from 2018 to 2019 and joined the main commission in May 2020. He is currently chairing the low frequency guidelines project group which is related to the safety of power lines and other electrical equipment and infrastructure. 

For further information: 

• ICNIRP’s Announcement of Commission Membership 2024-2028  

11 December 2023

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) contributed to the newly released Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) sun safety position statement, which aims to protect people involved in sports from cancer-causing UV radiation. 

AIS Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes says participating in outdoor sports exposes not only athletes, but also coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators to prolonged periods of time outside. This means high levels of exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

‘Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and athletes participating in outdoor sports may be at greater risk for skin cancer because of high cumulative sun exposure, inadequate use of sun protection, and low skin cancer health literacy,’ said Dr Hughes AM. 

ARPANSA’s Ultraviolet Radiation Science Officer, Dr Kerryn King, who contributed to the statement, says this position statement is a step forward in assisting sporting organisations to recognise the inherent risk of UV radiation exposure in sports and to take action to cultivate positive sun protection behaviours for all participants.

‘With solar UV radiation responsible for at least 95% of skin cancers in Australia, we know that the more an individual is exposed to UV radiation, the greater their risk of developing skin cancer,’ said Dr King. 

‘It really boils down to ensuring the implementation of sun safe practices, such as the promotion of Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide behaviours.’ 

The position statement also provides strategies for reducing UV exposures. This includes recommendations for training and educating staff, communicating sun safety, and implementing sun protection policies. It also recommends sun protective clothing and uniform policies that ensure appropriate skin coverage and eye protection. 

The new position statement is available to read on the AIS website. 

It was developed by the AIS alongside leading sporting and health authorities including ARPANSA, Paddle Australia, Cancer Council and the Melanoma Institute of Australia. 

1 December 2023

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s (ARPANSA) collaborative approach to measuring and communicating radiation risk was highlighted as a case study in the 2022-2023 Australian Public Service Commission State of the Service Report, which was tabled in parliament on 29 November 2023.

ARPANSA’s Radiation Research and Advice Director, Sarah Loughran, says the agency’s Electromagnetic Energy Program serves the Australian community by conducting research, developing safety limits, and providing public health advice.

‘We work closely with other government organisations such as the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), who enforce the safety limit we developed, to inform the public about their exposure to radio waves from wireless technology,’ said A/Prof Loughran.  

‘Both ARPANSA and ACMA publish complementary information on their communication channels which show the community that their exposure to radio waves is low, and well below the safety limit.

‘At ARPANSA, we’ve seen the positive impact that our research and radio wave measurements have had. Our Talk to a Scientist program is receiving the same number of enquiries each year, however, we’re answering fewer calls about 5G and more calls about ionising and UV radiation.

‘This better reflects Australians’ true radiation risk,’ she said.

The State of the Service Report found that in 2022–23, levels of trust in Australian public services remained stable with 61% of respondents indicating that they trust these services. There is even more trust, namely 73%, in the services they have specifically used.

Australian Public Service agencies, including ARPANSA, work extensively with government and non-government organisations, industry and research institutions to identify and respond to community needs such as protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.  

Further information:

• The 2022-2023 State of the Service Report
• Australian Communications and Media Authority’s EME checker
• ARPANSA’s survey of radio wave exposure 2022

28 November 2023

A delegation from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) visited the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in November 2023 following an information sharing agreement that was signed between the two agencies in September. 

ARPANSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Gillian Hirth, said that the three-day visit was part of a commitment towards increased regulatory cooperation and collaboration. 

‘This visit allowed us to further build on our relationship with ONR to share information on our regulatory experiences and discuss strategies for workforce and nuclear knowledge development,’ Dr Hirth said.  

‘These discussions provided a demonstration of the UK’s nuclear regulation in action, providing critical knowledge to support the highest standards of safety in Australia’s changing nuclear landscape.’ 

ONR’s Director of Regulation, Donald Urquhart, said the visit aimed to bolster ARPANSA’s understanding of how ONR regulates the UK nuclear sector, engages with industry licensees, and where necessary, implements enforcement action to influence proportionate improvements.   

‘We were delighted to welcome ARPANSA to Bootle for this valuable opportunity to share learning, ultimately helping to enhance nuclear and radiation safety between our respective nations,’ he said.  

‘Following the signing of our information sharing agreement with ARPANSA in September we look forward to continuing our work with the international nuclear community.’ 

At the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, ARPANSA and ONR signed an Information Exchange Agreement to share information, experience and good practice.  

Working with international counterparts to enhance nuclear safety is a key aspect of ARPANSA’s role to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.

9 November 2023

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) will provide $150,000 in funding to support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) research into the potential health effects of radio wave exposure on the general and working population.

ARPANSA’s Chief Radiation Health Scientist, Dr Rick Tinker, says that the findings from this research will be published as a WHO monograph.

‘The funding will specifically support the work of a WHO task group into the health effects of radio waves,’ Dr Tinker said.

‘As a member nation, the Australian Government supports the WHO’s independent assessment of all the scientific evidence on this topic.’

ARPANSA is one of WHO’s collaborating centres for radiation protection. This relationship allows WHO to access resources at ARPANSA, such as technical advice on radiation protection.

WHO’s Radiation and Health Unit Head, Dr Emilie van Deventer, says that the funding they have received from Australia and other member nations will assist in providing updated health assessment on radio wave safety to all 194 member states.

‘The task group’s work is important as we evaluate the latest scientific evidence on potential health effects from radio waves,’ Dr van Deventer said.

‘This work will help support the development of best-practice guidelines and national legislation to ensure that people remain protected from radio wave exposure.’

27 October 2023

Australia has made significant progress in building a resilient and adaptable regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety, according to a team of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts.

ARPANSA hosted the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team during the 9-day follow-up mission, which was tasked with reviewing Australia's progress in implementing recommendations and suggestions made during an initial IRRS mission in 2018. 

'The IRRS is an internationally recognised process that strengthens regulatory effectiveness. Countries that invite missions - including Australia - demonstrate openness and transparency,' said Hildegarde Vandenhove, head of the IAEA Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety.

The mission involved a series of interviews with ARPANSA, government representatives and the State and Territory regulatory bodies, and a review of relevant reference documentation prepared in advance of the visit.

ARPANSA CEO Dr Gillian Hirth is pleased with the outcomes and recommendations identified by the IRRS team.

'The follow up mission has provided an important evaluation of Australia's progress since 2018, during what has been a challenging period globally,' said Dr Hirth.

'With the changing nuclear landscape in Australia, it has been valuable to demonstrate our strong commitment to radiation and nuclear safety and also the progress made as we work towards consistent radiation protection for all Australians. We are extremely thankful to all mission participants for lending their expertise to evaluate and advise on how Australia can enhance its regulatory frameworks in line with international best practice.'

The IRRS team also identified areas for potential enhancements, such as the completion of a national strategy on radiation safety. Noting ongoing activities to address consistency in the State and Territories radiation safety programs, the team said further efforts were warranted in this area, which the establishment of a national strategy would support.

The IRRS team was comprised of seven senior regulatory experts from Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and three IAEA staff members.

The final mission report will be provided to the Government in early 2024.