CLAIM:
Non-ionising radiation from everyday devices like Wi-Fi, microwaves, mobile phones, and earphones does not have enough energy to damage DNA and therefore does not cause cancer. Only ionising radiation is capable of penetrating cells and triggering cancerous changes. However, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are an exception within non-ionising radiation and can increase cancer risk.
FACT:
True. There is no reliable evidence that Wi-Fi, mobile phones, or microwave ovens cause cancer, as they emit non-ionising radiation that does not have enough energy to damage DNA. Cancer risk is linked to ionising radiation, while ultraviolet (UV) rays remain a known exception within non-ionising radiation that can increase cancer risk.
In a viral reel posted by Dr Aditij Dhamija, who has over 2.68 lakh followers on Instagram, the doctor addresses a widely shared myth linking everyday devices like Wi-Fi, microwaves, and earphones to cancer.
In the reel, he questions the growing spread of misinformation online. “I am getting very angry. I have heard in so many reels that earphones cause cancer, microwaves cause cancer, the phone I am recording with causes cancer. In 30 seconds, I will explain this whole thing to you,” he says.
He explains that cancer can develop when radiation damages DNA, particularly tumour-suppressing genes that control cell growth. However, he clarifies that this type of damage is caused only by ionising radiation. “Non-ionising radiation like phone radiation, microwave radiation, earphones radiation… cannot enter your cell,” he adds.
To simplify the concept, he uses an analogy, comparing ionising radiation to a knife that can pierce an apple (representing a cell), while non-ionising radiation is like a marker that cannot penetrate it. He also notes that one form of non-ionising radiation, ultraviolet rays from the sun, can increase cancer risk, especially without proper protection like sunscreen.
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The reel has gained significant traction online, amassing over 1 million views, 69.8K likes, and more than 40.1K shares.
Do mobile phones and Wi-Fi cause cancer?
According to Cancer Research UK, there is no reliable evidence linking mobile phones or wireless technologies to cancer risk.
Addressing common concerns, the organisation notes that while people often keep phones close to their bodies - near the head, in pockets, or even in clothing- this has raised fears about cancers such as brain or breast cancer. However, it clarifies that “the type of radiation that mobile phones and phone masts use doesn’t have enough energy to cause cancer by damaging DNA.”
Mobile phones use radiofrequency radiation, a form of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation. Explaining this further, Cancer Research UK states, “It's a weak form of radiation, the same type that radios, televisions and microwave ovens produce. Radio waves do not have enough energy to damage DNA.” Because of this, it points out that there is no clear biological mechanism by which such radiation could cause cancer.
The organisation also points out that while some studies have suggested a possible link, many of these are based on animal experiments or unrealistically high exposure levels, limiting their relevance to everyday use. Looking at large-scale human studies, it concludes that “there is no consistent association between mobile phone use and cancer. Overall, there’s no reliable evidence from studies of people that mobile phones increase the risk of cancer.”
On newer technologies, Cancer Research UK adds that “there is also no reliable evidence that 4G and 5G mobile networks cause cancer.” Although these networks operate at slightly higher frequencies than older systems, they still do not carry enough energy to damage DNA. At the same time, researchers continue to monitor long-term effects as technology evolves.
Similarly, wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not linked to cancer. As the organisation states, “No, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth don’t cause cancer. Wireless technologies and services also use radio waves. There’s no evidence to suggest that wireless technology increases cancer risk. This includes things like fitness trackers, smart watches and wireless headphones too.”
Do microwaves cause cancer?
According to the American Oncology Institute, microwave ovens are not linked to cancer, as they use a form of non-ionising radiation.
Explaining the science, the institute notes that “microwaves are a form of non-ionizing radiation, meaning they do not have sufficient energy to knock electrons off atoms or molecules and ionize them.” This is a key distinction, as only ionising radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, is known to damage DNA and increase cancer risk.
Microwave ovens work by heating food through the movement of water molecules. As described by the institute, “microwave ovens operate by producing microwave radiation, which causes water molecules in food to vibrate, producing heat and thereby cooking the food.” It also highlights that this radiation is contained within the appliance, adding that “the microwaves generated inside the oven are contained within the metal interior, and the door mesh shields the user from microwave leakage.”
Addressing safety concerns, the institute states that while research has explored possible risks, “there is no concrete evidence suggesting that microwaves from the appliances we use to heat our food cause cancer.” Instead, the institute emphasises that “we must remember to factor in multiple risk elements for cancer, such as genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to known carcinogens.”
At the same time, the institute advises caution in general usage, recommending that people follow standard safety practices and rely on credible health information.
It is also important to note that not all non-ionising radiation is completely harmless. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a known exception, as it can damage DNA and increase the risk of skin cancer, particularly without protective measures like sunscreen.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS