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This online resource was developed by the NRCP Program Area Committee on Non-ionizing Radiation which was formed to inform the public about health concerns from wireless technology. This represents the consensus of leading scientists based on independent analysis, providing their interpretation of research and its implications for individuals and society.

Printable Factsheets

More than 30 major reports were produced during the early period of the NCRP’s history including the first recommendation specifying a maximum permissible level of exposure. Explore our most recent factsheets to learn more about non-ionizing radiation and our prevalent studies.

Latest Findings

Discover and explore our knowledge base of websites with information on health concerns based on current scientific knowledge regarding radiofrequency radiation and other forms of non-ionizing radiation.

Myths vs Facts

• MYTH:

  Cell phones cause cancer.

  FACT:

  The available scientific data on exposure to radio frequency energy show no categorical proof of any adverse biological effects other than tissue heating.

• MYTH:

  It's not safe to live near a cell site.

  FACT:

  At a given cell site, the total RF power that could be radiated by the antennas depends on the number of radio channels (transmitters) installed, the power of each transmitter, and the type of antenna.  While it is theoretically possible for cell sites to radiate at very high power levels, the maximum power radiated in any direction usually does not exceed 500 watts. Exposures approaching or exceeding the safety guidelines are only likely to be encountered very close to and directly in front of the antennas.  For sector-type antennas, RF levels to rear are usually very low.

• MYTH:

  More cell towers means more exposure and greater risk.

  FACT:

  Not really. Cellphone user’s RF exposures come from two sources. One is cellphone towers, which send signals to cellphones through RF waves. The cellphone itself sends signals to base station antennas with the power of thousands of microwatts (10-3 Watts). Because a cell phone is typically held against the side of the head when in use, much of the RF energy is delivered to very small volumes of the user's body. The greatest RF exposures are from cellphones, not from base stations.

Media Callouts

IS CELL PHONE USE HARMFUL?

In urban and suburban areas, cellular and PCS service providers commonly use "sector" antennas for their base stations.  These antennas are rectangular panels, e.g., about 1 by 4 feet in size, typically mounted on a rooftop or other structure, but they are also mounted on towers or poles.  Panel antennas are usually arranged in three groups of three each.  It is common that not all antennas are used for the transmission of RF energy; some antennas may be receive-only.

At a given cell site, the total RF power that could be radiated by the antennas depends on the number of radio channels (transmitters) installed, the power of each transmitter, and the type of antenna.  While it is theoretically possible for cell sites to radiate at very high power levels, the maximum power radiated in any direction usually does not exceed 500 watts. 

ARE YOU BEING EXPOSED TO RADIATION?

The RF emissions from cellular or PCS base station antennas are generally directed toward the horizon in a relatively narrow pattern in the vertical plane.  In the case of sector (panel) antennas, the pattern is fan-shaped, like a wedge cut from a pie.  As with all forms of electromagnetic energy, the power density from the antenna decreases rapidly as one moves away from the antenna.  Consequently, ground-level exposures are much less than exposures if one were at the same height and directly in front of the antenna. Exposures approaching or exceeding the safety guidelines are only likely to be encountered very close to and directly in front of the antennas.  For sector-type antennas, RF levels to rear are usually very low.