Radio-frequency (RF) energy is radiated by cellular base stations and mobile devices, as well as many other sources, including broadcast radio and television towers. The radio-frequency energy emitted by these sources is non-ionizing, and has a fundamentally different effect on humans than the ionizing energy used in X-Rays, for example. Ionizing radiation strips electrons from molecules and atoms, which can damage the genetic material in cells. While both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation is caused by electromagnetic sources, radio-frequency energy operates within frequencies far too low for electrons to break their chemical bonds. RF energy spans the frequency spectrum from 3 kHz to 300 GHz. It’s sometimes referred to as microwaves, radiowaves, RF radiation or RF emissions.
For more information on specific studies conducted regarding exposure to radio-frequencies, please read our featured article: Health Studies.