Imagine spending $30 million and 10 years investigating something, only to shut it down right when things start getting interesting. That’s exactly what happened with the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and its research on wireless radiation. In 2018, their massive study found clear evidence of malignant tumors and DNA damage linked to cellphone radiation exposure. But instead of doubling down, the U.S. government pulled the plug.
Why? According to John Bucher, Ph.D., a former senior scientist at NTP, the decision wasn’t exactly about science—it was about politics, lack of regulatory interest, and maybe a bit of strategic amnesia. Welcome to the wild world of wireless radiation research, where inconvenient truths tend to get buried under bureaucracy and industry pressure.
What the 2018 Study Found
For those who missed it, the NTP’s 2018 study was a game-changer. After exposing rats to 2G and 3G cellphone radiation over a two-year period, researchers discovered:
Clear evidence of malignant heart tumors (schwannomas) in male rats
Some evidence of malignant brain tumors (gliomas)
Some evidence of adrenal gland tumors
DNA damage in the brain, blood, and liver
As NTP’s former associate director, John Bucher oversaw the program’s two-year study, ensuring rigorous analysis of the effects of wireless radiation. Beyond this, he was a key collaborator on the study’s 2018 technical reports and later co-authored a 2019 genetic analysis, which further confirmed a link between wireless RFR exposure and DNA damage.
If you’re thinking, “But weren’t they just testing outdated 2G and 3G technology?”—here’s the critical detail: These same frequency bands are still embedded in modern 4G and 5G networks and with much higher intensity.
This wasn’t just about flip phones—this research had profound implications for the devices we use daily.
From 2G to 5G: The Unstudied Leap in Exposure
When we look back at where we started with 1G and 2G and compare it to where we are now with 5G, we see a massive increase in bandwidth—by thousands of times. The faster the frequency, the shorter the wave becomes. For 5G to work efficiently, towers and antennas must be placed every couple hundred feet, dramatically increasing exposure levels.
Here’s the real problem: Long-term studies on EMF exposure are still based on 1G, 2G, and 3G technology—frequencies in the range of 900 megahertz. Those studies already showed negative effects on children, bees, and the formation of tumors. Now, we’ve escalated from 900 megahertz to 300 gigahertz—and for reference, 1 gigahertz is 1,000 megahertz. That’s an exponential jump in exposure, yet we have no idea what we’ve gotten ourselves into because there have been no long-term studies on these higher frequencies.
The NTP study found biological effects at frequencies far lower than what 5G operates on. Given that even lower frequencies were linked to cancer and DNA damage, the decision to ignore research on higher, more intense frequencies is not just reckless—it’s a complete abandonment of public health responsibility.
The Vanishing Act: Why the NTP Pulled the Plug
Fast-forward to 2024, and the NTP suddenly announced it was scrapping all follow-up research. The official reasons? Technical challenges, resource constraints, and a general lack of interest from regulatory agencies. In an interview, Bucher admitted that had he still been in charge, he would have fought harder to keep the studies going—but even then, the decision may not have changed.
“We were having technical problems, there was really no interest on the part of the regulatory agencies for us to continue these studies, the technical expertise and the drivers behind getting the work done were retired, and there’s competing priorities — always competing priorities in a program like that.
I think I would’ve pushed harder [to keep studying wireless radiation’s biological effects], but I can’t say that the overall decision would’ve been different had I been able to influence it.”
But let’s be real—this wasn’t just about funding or technical hurdles. Here’s what really went down:
1. The FDA and FCC Were Unbothered
The NTP’s findings were presented to regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Their response? A polite nod and a swift change of subject. Despite being the very agency that requested the study in 1999, the FDA dismissed its findings in 2018 and later released a literature review that criticized the study. The FCC, on the other hand, hasn’t updated its wireless radiation exposure guidelines since 1996.
2. Industry Moves Faster Than Science
By the time the NTP study wrapped up, we had already moved into the 5G era. Bucher himself acknowledged that “by the time we would come out with the next generation of studies, [the telecom industry] would be on to something else.” In other words, the industry doesn’t wait for safety studies—it bulldozes ahead, and regulatory agencies are often financially “in bed” with these companies (see my article on the FCC and telecom collusion here).
3. 2,500 Pages of Redacted Documents
Children’s Health Defense (CHD) filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to uncover why the government killed its own research. The NIH responded by handing over 14 pages of emails and redacting nearly 2,500 pages of records. If there was nothing to hide, why the secrecy?
4. Follow-Up Studies Quietly Fizzled Out
After the 2018 findings, researchers attempted smaller-scale studies to confirm results and investigate DNA damage mechanisms. But thanks to technical challenges, COVID-19 disruptions, and a dwindling pool of government scientists working on RFR studies, these follow-ups never gained traction.
Devra Davis, Ph.D., MPH, a toxicologist and epidemiologist, criticized the abrupt halt of wireless radiation research, calling it “the ultimate arrogance and folly to stop studying a growing environmental pollutant when we have ample evidence of harm.”
In February 2023, Davis and her colleagues published a review of 200+ studies linking wireless radiation to:
"The government’s decision to stop funding research on cellphone radiation is consistent with the Chinese proverb ‘If you don’t want to know, don’t ask.’
The US government has a variation of that in the policy of, ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ If you don’t want to know whether cell tower radiation is having a biological impact, stop doing the research!”
RFK Jr., The FCC, and the Legal Battle Over Wireless Safety
In 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reaffirmed its outdated 1996 RF exposure guidelines, dismissing concerns that emerging scientific evidence warranted a review. For decades, the public has been assured that wireless technology is completely safe, and concerns over 5G have been dismissed as “conspiracy theories”.
RFK Jr.’s Perspective on Wireless Radiation
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been outspoken about the dangers of wireless radiation and the suppression of scientific research surrounding it. He has argued that the telecommunications industry, much like Big Tobacco in the past, has engaged in a deliberate campaign to discredit independent studies that expose health risks. According to Kennedy, the lack of government oversight and corporate influence over regulatory bodies like the FCC has created an unchecked environment where public health is secondary to corporate profits.
He has also pointed to the growing body of evidence linking wireless radiation to neurological issues, fertility problems, and even environmental damage. Kennedy’s stance is that no new wireless infrastructure, particularly 5G, should be rolled out without long-term safety studies proving that it does not pose serious risks to human health and the ecosystem. His advocacy continues to push for transparency, accountability, and updated safety guidelines that prioritize public welfare over industry interests.
RFK Jr.’s Role in the Legal Battle
As a vocal advocate for environmental and public health, RFK Jr. has played a key role in challenging the FCC’s outdated regulations. His organization, Children’s Health Defense (CHD), and Environmental Health Trust (EHT) led the legal fight against the FCC, submitting over 11,000 pages of evidence demonstrating the harmful effects of wireless radiation. The case garnered overwhelming public support, with approximately 2,000 comments filed by:
Scientists and research organizations (including the BioInitiative and EMF Scientist)
Doctors and medical associations concerned about public health
Major cities, such as Boston and Philadelphia, raising concerns over environmental and health impacts
Parents of children suffering from RF radiation-related health conditions
The evidence submitted included thousands of peer-reviewed studies showing clear and profound biological harm, contradicting the FCC’s long-standing position that its 1996 safety guidelines remain sufficient.
2021 Court Victory: A Mandate for Action
On August 13, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of CHD, stating that the FCC acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” by failing to address non-cancer health risks, including:
RF radiation’s impact on children
Long-term exposure effects
Widespread wireless device usage
Environmental effects, such as harm to pollinators and wildlife
Considering this broader body of scientific evidence, the court ordered the FCC to re-evaluate its guidelines.
The FCC’s Delay and CHD’s Continued Legal Pressure
Despite this clear legal mandate, the FCC has failed to act—prompting CHD to file a 2023 petition demanding compliance. The petition urged the agency to:
Conduct a thorough review of RF radiation risks
Incorporate the latest scientific research
Provide a transparent and science-based justification for its guidelines
Scott McCollough, CHD’s lead attorney, stated, “The FCC cannot sit on this matter any longer… Any continued non-action will expose the Commission to further judicial review.”
Additionally, the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) had set a September 14, 2023 deadline requiring the FCC to assess RF radiation’s environmental impact—an obligation the agency continues to sidestep into 2025.
What’s at Stake?
This ongoing legal battle isn’t just about updating a bureaucratic guideline—it’s about ensuring that public health, wildlife, and the environment aren’t sacrificed for the unchecked expansion of wireless technology. With the FCC’s current rules failing to account for modern science, the fight for regulatory accountability is far from over.
There has been a long-standing corrupt collusion between the FCC and telecommunication companies, raising legitimate concerns about regulatory capture. The revolving door between the FCC and major wireless companies means that the same people who set safety guidelines often end up working for the very industries they were supposed to regulate. This cozy relationship has allowed telecom lobbyists to wield enormous influence over public policy—at the expense of consumer safety.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, one thing is clear: The fight over wireless radiation safety is far from over. And with RFK Jr.’s appointment at HHS and the moementum of the Make America Healthy Again Movement (MAHA), we may see this battle escalate to an entirely new level.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
While government agencies have shelved this research, wireless technology has continued to evolve. We’re now seeing the rapid expansion of 5G infrastructure, the proliferation of Wi-Fi 6, and the increasing presence of wireless-connected devices in every aspect of our daily lives.
5G and Beyond: A New Era of Exposure
5G technology operates on much higher frequencies than previous generations, meaning more cell towers, more small-cell deployments, and ultimately, more exposure. While 2G and 3G studies linked wireless radiation to cancer, 5G operates in both sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave frequencies, which have not been studied as extensively for long-term health effects.
Children and Vulnerable Populations at Risk
Children are at greater risk of radiation exposure due to their developing bodies and thinner skulls. Multiple studies suggest that children absorb more radiation than adults, especially in their brain tissue which is softer and not fully developed. Given the massive rollout of digital devices in schools, this should be a major public health concern—but instead, it’s brushed aside in favor of ‘technological progress.’
The Precautionary Principle: Ignored by Regulators
Other countries have taken a more cautious approach. For example:
France has banned Wi-Fi in nurseries for children under three.
Belgium prohibits the sale of cell phones to children under seven.
Italy has mandated that public information campaigns on wireless radiation risks be conducted regularly.
Yet, in the U.S., regulators continue to dismiss concerns, opting instead to follow outdated guidelines that fail to reflect modern wireless usage and exposure levels.
Aires: A Proven Solution for EMF Protection
As concerns around wireless radiation continue to grow, companies
like Aires have stepped up to provide cutting-edge EMF protection solutions. Aires’ technology is designed to modulate electromagnetic fields, reducing the biological impact of wireless radiation on the body by changing the waveform to match our biological electromagnetic nature.
Why Aires Tech Stands Out
Scientifically validated: Aires has nearly three decades of peer-reviewed research, clinical trials, and rigorous testing, ensuring full transparency in its findings. Aires remains the only company with proven EMF protection, transparently sharing all research to back its claims.
Proven benefits: Users consistently report enhanced energy, focus, and overall well-being, with the most dramatic results seen in those who are electrohypersensitive (EHS)—some of whom could not even hold a phone without severe migraines until using Aires.
Trusted by experts: Aires works with top neuroscientists, doctors, wellness professionals, and elite sports organizations, including the UFC and its fighters, the Arizona Timberwolves, and a Canadian basketball team.
Seamless integration: Aires’ devices work effortlessly with cell phones, laptops, and household electronics, making protection simple and convenient.
With the telecom industry moving at breakneck speed and regulatory bodies failing to keep up, investing in personal EMF protection is becoming more essential than ever.
Final Thoughts: The Fight for Transparency and Safety
The wireless radiation debate isn’t going away anytime soon. While research continues to be suppressed and regulations remain outdated, the evidence linking EMF exposure to potential health risks is undeniable.
What can we do?
Stay informed: Demand transparency from regulatory agencies and keep up with emerging research.
Limit exposure: Reduce wireless radiation by using wired headphones, keeping devices away from your body, and turning off WiFi at night.
Invest in protection: Aires provides a scientifically backed way to mitigate EMF exposure in daily life.
The reality is that we are living in an age of unprecedented exposure to wireless radiation. The question isn’t whether we should be concerned—it’s how long we’re willing to wait before action is taken.
