Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 2/10/2009

Question
I wanted to ask about concerns I had with regards to radiation and these new DECT 6.0 cordless phones that are out.  I've read a lot about mobile phones and their possible effects on health, like causing brain cancer because of the radiation that is put out by these devices.  What about DECT 6.0 cordless phones though?  I've heard that DECT 6.0 puts out a lot higher radio frequency than 5.8 Ghz, 2.4 Ghz or 900mhz phones.  Does this mean it puts out more radiation too?  Some sources say that DECT 6.0 puts out much more power therefore more radiation.  Other sources say that DECT 6.0 is safer, because it puts out less power and therefore less radiation.  Whom do you believe?  I own a Panasonic KX-TG1032 DECT 6.0 phone.  I’ve written to Panasonic to tell them my concerns and they replied the following, “Cordless phones use radio signals to communicate with their base station. The signals sent by cordless phones are therefore much weaker as compared to other units that emit radio frequency such as mobile phones. The power radiated by cordless phones is estimated to be only 8% of that from mobile phones.  Also as stated on page 46 of the manual, the product complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.”  Should I at all be concerned with any of this?  My owner’s manual also states in the specifications that “RF transmission power is approximately 100 mW.”  What does this mean, and is the power high for a cordless phone?  I have heard that most of the power or radiation wavelengths come from the base station that you get with these cordless phone sets.  I guess they constantly emit power.  Would you have any suggestions as to where to place the base station to limit radiation exposure?  Is a kitchen ok?  Again, should I be concerned with any of this.  Thanks very much for your help.

Answer
Cordless phones & mobile (cell) phones put out radio signals. So the radiation from such devices is entirely within the radio part of the electromagnetic spectrum. For electromagnetic radiation to be able to cause cancer it needs - as far as is known today - to be ionizing! To be that it needs to have a shorter wave length (= higher frequency) than visible light, from ultraviolet light and even shorter wave lengths, x-rays etc. Radio waves have MUCH LONGER wave lengths than visible light! So there is at present NO KNOWN process by which radio radiation can cause cancer! So far NO clinical or scientific study has been able to show that the use of mobile phones or cordless phones may/can cause cancer! I do hope I have been able to satisfy you!