Living Document – Continually Updated
Decades before 5G, communities across Europe were experiencing alarming health effects linked to mobile phone masts. Early warnings came from residents, physicians, and researchers — yet authorities largely ignored them. One of the earliest and most compelling accounts comes from Eileen O’Connor, whose own experience with breast cancer led her to uncover a serious health cluster in her village of Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, England.
1. Eileen O’Connor and the Wishaw Mast (2002, Sutton Coldfield, England)
While undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Eileen noticed a pattern: neighbours were suffering from a range of serious illnesses. Her health survey revealed:
- Five women with breast cancer
- One young man with prostate cancer
- Cases of bladder and lung cancer
- Pre-cancer cervical cell changes
- Motor neurone disease, benign lumps, electro-sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances, headaches, dizziness, low immunity
- Even a horse with blood problems requiring ongoing veterinary care
The mobile phone mast had been in place in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield since 1994, exposing local residents to long-term radiofrequency radiation. Over the following years, the community began noticing emerging health concerns. Eileen O’Connor connected these illnesses to the large mobile phone mast nearby, noting that her own white blood cell count improved temporarily when she stayed away from it. By 2001, residents carried out detailed household surveys and found that out of 18 houses within 500 meters of the mast, 77% reported major health-related illnesses after seven years of exposure.
After the mast was removed in November 2003, residents reported a restored sense of well-being, improved sleep, and a return of wildlife. Eileen went on to co-found SCRAM, the EM Radiation Research Trust, and the International EMF Alliance, campaigning nationally and internationally for EMF safety.
“Looking back, there is no question in my mind: the years of disrupted sleep, headaches, vertigo, rashes, heart palpitations, and low white blood cells and cancer were not random. They were the consequences of living in the shadow of that mast.” — Eileen O’Connor
2007 – Royal Society, London
“Eileen’s personal story containing details about the phone mast and cancer cluster in Wishaw” – Download Presentation
1a. Collaboration with Dr John Walker – Early Evidence of Mast-Related Illness
Campaign groups worked with retired physicist Dr John Walker, who identified clusters of illness around mobile phone masts in the UK, including Wishaw — some of the first plotted evidence of mast-related illness globally.
♦ He noted significant patterns of cancers and illness around base station masts.
♦ After six months of exposure, people experienced up to a 90% reduction in immune function, along with headaches, rashes, forgetfulness, and possible EHS.
♦ After five years, cancer rates increased.
Further References:
♦ Interview – Dr John Walker on mobile phones and cancer clusters, Manx Radio, November 2007. Listen online
♦ AVAATE – Cancer clusters at phone masts. SEVEN clusters of cancer and other serious illnesses (reproducing The Sunday Times, 22 April 2007). View online
In memory of Dr John Walker (Sutton Coldfield): His meticulous early warnings remain a vital record of the health impacts communities experienced decades before 5G.
2. The Santini Study – France (2002–2003)
Santini et al. surveyed 530 residents living near mobile phone relay stations in France. Key findings:
- ♦ Increased sleep disturbances, headaches, depression, irritability, concentration problems, nausea, fatigue, and skin problems in residents living less than 100–200 meters from masts.
- ♦ Recommended keeping masts at least 300 meters from homes.
These findings mirrored the experiences reported in Wishaw, demonstrating consistent patterns of RF-related symptoms across countries.
3. The Eger et al. Study – Germany (Umwelt·Medizin·Gesellschaft, 2004) & REFLEX Biological Evidence
One of the most comprehensive epidemiological investigations was conducted by Horst Eger, Klaus Uwe Hagen, Birgitt Lucas, Peter Vogel, and Helmut Voit, published in Umwelt·Medizin·Gesellschaft. The study analysed medical records of nearly 1,000 residents living near a mobile phone transmitter in Naila, Germany, between 1994 and 2004.
Key findings included:
- ♦ Residents living within 400 metres of the mast had a threefold increased risk of developing cancer after five years of exposure
- ♦ Average age of cancer diagnosis was 8.5 years younger than those living further away
- ♦ Types of cancer affected included breast, prostate, pancreas, blood, and other organ systems
- ♦ Risk could not be explained by social, genetic, or lifestyle factors
The authors concluded that RF radiation was a plausible contributing factor, calling for urgent precautionary measures, including stricter siting policies and long-term health monitoring.
Kaplan, Israel, study (2004)
A small study by GPs at the Kaplan Medical Centre, Israel, discovered a fourfold increase in
cancer within 350m after long term exposure to a phone mast and a TENFOLD increase
specifically in women.
Additional German Evidence – Breast Cancer Cluster (Berlin, 2006)
Further supporting the earlier findings, in Berlin, Germany, a sevenfold increase in breast cancer was reported in a residential area near cellular antennas. On 21 September 2006, Roland Stabenow, head of the Berlin Cancer Registry, informed residents that a map prepared by the community clearly showed that the highest incidence of breast cancer cases occurred in close proximity to the antennas. This report provides additional evidence that long-term residential exposure to RF radiation may contribute to the development of breast cancer, corroborating patterns observed in Wishaw.
Biological Evidence – REFLEX Studies (2004)
♦ The REFLEX project involved 12 laboratories across seven European countries to investigate the effects of low-level RF radiation on cellular systems. (Never Forget REFLEX – EM Radiation Research Trust)
♦ Findings showed that low-power RF exposure can cause DNA strand breaks and activate cellular stress responses, including production of heat-shock proteins.
♦ These in-vitro results provide a mechanistic explanation for the epidemiological patterns observed in Wishaw, Naila, Berlin, and Israel, highlighting the potential for long-term health effects from residential RF exposure. DNA breaks as the following slide shows:
Industry-Funded Evidence – Ecolog Report (T‑Mobile, 2000)
The Ecolog Institute, commissioned by T‑Mobile, reviewed over 220 peer-reviewed studies on mobile phone mast radiation.
♦ Found evidence of cancer-initiating and promoting effects, impairments of brain function and memory, DNA damage, and cellular and neurological disruption, even at exposures below then-current safety limits.
♦ Recommended a substantial reduction in exposure limits.
♦ Delayed Public Awareness: Completed in 2000, the report was initially in German and only became widely accessible to UK campaigners and the public in 2007. (CANCERactive, 2007)
♦ Demonstrates that industry-funded reviews corroborated patterns of cancer and ill-health observed in communities like Wishaw and Naila.
Summary / Conclusion – Early Evidence to Current Understanding
♦ Epidemiological studies combined with cellular studies from REFLEX and industry-funded research from Ecolog, consistently indicate that long-term residential exposure to RF radiation is associated with increased cancer risk.
♦ The 2011 WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified RF-EMF as a Group 2B possible carcinogen.
♦ Since then, the NTP (2018) and Ramazzini (2018) studies have provided major animal-based evidence showing clear cancer risks.
♦ Many doctors and scientists are calling for the IARC classification to be upgraded to Group 1, reflecting strong evidence of carcinogenicity from both epidemiological and experimental research.
Conclusion:
Together, these studies provide converging evidence from epidemiology and cellular biology that long-term exposure to RF radiation from mobile phone masts may contribute to cancer development. They underscore the urgent need for precautionary measures, stricter mast siting policies, and continued long-term monitoring of populations exposed to RF radiation.
4. Bavarian GPs’ Medical Evaluation – Waldmann-Selsam (2005)
In 2005, Dr. Cornelia Waldmann-Selsam wrote an open letter to Bavarian Prime Minister Edmund Stoiber after evaluating 356 residents exposed to RF radiation. Symptoms included:
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Concentration and memory problems
- Tinnitus
- Depression
- Nausea
- Neurological and visual disturbances
- Joint, limb, and cardiovascular symptoms
Physicians reported that symptoms improved or normalised when exposure ceased, yet authorities refused to conduct formal investigations, describing the situation.
Symptom Comparison
Symptom Wishaw 2002 Santini 2002–03 La Ñora 2004 Waldmann-Selsam 2005 Sleep disturbance ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Headaches ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Fatigue / tiredness ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Concentration / memory problems ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Tinnitus ✔ Occasionally ✔ ✔ Depression / low mood ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Nausea ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Neurological complaints ✔ – ✔ ✔ Visual disturbances – – ✔ ✔ Joint / limb / soft tissue pain ✔ – ✔ ✔ Cardiovascular / heart rhythm disturbances ✔ – ✔ ✔ Nosebleeds ✔ – ✔ ✔ Note: Across four independent investigations, symptoms were remarkably consistent and occurred well below official safety limits.
2005 – Waldmann-Selsam open letter to Bavarian Prime Minister urges investigation
Formal Submission to UK Health Authorities (2006)
In 2006, as a member of the UK Health Protection Agency’s EMF Discussion Group, Eileen O’Connor formally presented her findings on the Wishaw health cluster to the HPA. The submission documented years of serious illnesses among residents living near the T-Mobile mast in Sutton Coldfield, including multiple cancers, neurological and sleep disturbances, headaches, and immune system problems.
Key points included:
♦ Health cluster in Wishaw (1994–2003): Five women with breast cancer, one prostate cancer, bladder and lung cancers, three pre-cancer cervical cases, motor neurone disease, benign lumps, skin rashes, electro-sensitivity, and widespread sleep, fatigue, and dizziness problems. Even a horse suffered blood disorders requiring veterinary treatment.
♦ Impact of mast removal: After the mast was removed in November 2003, residents reported restored well-being, improved sleep, and a return of wildlife.
♦ International context: Evidence from Germany, Israel, Spain, France, Finland, Cyprus, and other countries showed similar patterns of illness and DNA or cellular damage at exposures far below ICNIRP guidelines. Notable findings included a sevenfold increase in breast cancer near antennas in Berlin and documented biological effects in numerous peer-reviewed studies.
♦ Precautionary call: The submission urged the UK to adopt the Precautionary Principle, fund independent research, and protect public health, including children and vulnerable populations, from RF exposure from mobile phone masts, DECT phones, and other wireless devices.
The full report is publicly available: 2006 EMF Discussion Group Report
“I presented the documented illnesses and patterns of disease to the HPA in 2006. They listened, yet did nothing.”
— Eileen O’ConnorReferences:
- O’Connor E. (2007). Mobile Phone Mast Radiation and Breast Cancer. Royal Society, London
- Santini R., Santini P., Danze J.M., Le Ruz P., Seigne M. (2002–03). Enquête sur la santé de riverains de stations relais de téléphonie mobile. Pathologie Biologie, 50(6): 369–373
- Eger H., Hagen K.U., Lucas B., Vogel P., Voit H. (2004). Residential proximity to mobile phone transmitters and cancer risk. Umwelt·Medizin·Gesellschaft
- Kaplan Medical Centre (2004). GP study on residential RF exposure. Israel
- Oberfeld G., Navarro A. (2004). The Microwave Syndrome: Further Aspects of a Spanish Study. Proceedings, 3rd International Workshop on Biological Effects of EMFs
- Waldmann-Selsam C. (2005). Open Letter to Bavarian Prime Minister Edmund Stoiber. EM Radiation Research Trust
5. 2011 – IARC Classification of Non-Ionising Radiation
- ♦ The World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified non-ionising radiation from wireless technologies as a Class 2B “possible carcinogen.”
- This classification followed a rigorous scientific review of human, animal, and mechanistic studies, and was approved by a nearly unanimous vote: 29 in favour, 1 against..
- Professor Lennart Hardell, MD, Ph.D., Oncology, Sweden, has stated unequivocally: “The agent is carcinogenic to humans”
- ♦ Reference (IARC / WHO 2011 – 2B Possible Carcinogen Classification):
- World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Press Release No. 208, 31 May 2011. Lyon, France: IARC. Available at: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr208_E.pdf
Subsequent studies have reinforced these findings, including:
- ♦ US National Toxicology Program (NTP, 2018): Lifetime exposure studies in rats showed increased incidence of heart schwannomas and other tumours. Full technical reports and summaries are available at: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/topics/cellphones/index.html
- ♦ Ramazzini Institute (2018): Long-term exposure to RF radiation in rats confirmed increased tumour risk at non-thermal levels. The study design and outcomes are summarised in the Press Q & A from the Environmental Health Trust: https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Ramazzini-Institute-Study_-Press-Q-and-A-2.pdf. Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29530389/
6. Global Warnings – UK & USA
The 2010 Commonwealth Club event in California brought together leading scientists and advocates to highlight the human and environmental risks of EMF exposure. Building on this, in 2015 Eileen O’Connor and US medical writer Susan Foster presented at Liverpool University, summarising early UK and US evidence. They emphasised biological effects, cancer risks from long-term RF‑EMF exposure, the inadequacy of current safety limits, and the urgent need for independent research and precautionary public-health policies. Together, these events demonstrate that concerns about long-term exposure to masts and wireless technologies were shared across the globe.
Resources:
♦ Watch the full Commonwealth Club 2010 event and panels: ElectromagneticHealth.org
♦ Download Commonwealth Club 2010 presentation slides: PowerPoint files
♦ 2015, Eileen O’Connor and US medical writer Susan Foster presented A Decade Before the 5G Surge at Liverpool University, summarising early scientific and epidemiological evidence from the UK and USA. (radiationresearch.org)
Photograph: 2010 The late Dr. Martin Blank and Mrs. Blank, Camilla Rees, Dr. Joel Moskowitz, and Eileen O’Connor outside the Commonwealth Club of California during the landmark program on the health effects of electromagnetic fields.
Photograph: 2015 Eileen O’Connor and Susan Foster outside Liverpool University, 2015, after presenting. A Decade Before the 5G Surge: Early Global Warnings from the UK and USA on Wireless Radiation Risks.
2020 – RFK Jr. & Children’s Health Defense Support
- ♦ The EM Radiation Research Trust, in collaboration with Children’s Health Defense (CHD), sent a letter to the UK Government calling for a halt to the roll-out of 5G, citing the health dangers of unchecked wireless proliferation.
- In support, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Chairman of CHD, and Dafna Tachover, Director of CHD’s 5G & Wireless Harms Project, issued a powerful statement:
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dafna Tachover support the UK EM Radiation Research Trust in their call on the UK Government to defend the rights and health of UK citizens, especially children, from Big Telecom’s scheme to roll out 5G. The harms of radio-frequency and microwave-based technologies have been proven scientifically and are already widespread. We work daily with children who have been injured by this technology, including from 5G small cell installations. The UK’s ICNIRP-based guidelines, like the US FCC’s, are decades obsolete and false. ICNIRP is an industry shell and its scientists have been shown to be compromised, as confirmed by courts. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and political leaders to protect those already harmed by this radiation and prevent further harm. We must stop the uncontrolled proliferation of wireless technology and the ongoing deployment of 5G, which will exponentially increase exposure to this harmful radiation and, consequently, sickness among children, adults, and the ecosystem.”
- ♦ Reference / social media coverage of renewed attention: https://radiationresearch.org/viral-social-media-posts-spark-renewed-attention-on-5g-risks/
5G with image with RFK Jr and Eileen O’Connor opposite Boris Johnson and UK flag created by Children’s Health Defense, USA
2021 – US FCC Legal Victory
- ♦ Following mounting evidence of harm from wireless radiation, Children’s Health Defense (CHD), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Environmental Health Trust (EHT) successfully challenged the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in court.
- ♦ The court found that the FCC failed to adequately consider scientific evidence showing harm from RF exposure, and the legal challenge included over 11,000 pages of scientific research.
In its August 13, 2021 decision in EHT et al. v. FCC, the U.S. Court of Appeals (D.C. Circuit) found that the FCC’s retention of its 1996 RF exposure limits was “arbitrary and capricious,” concluding that the Commission “failed to provide a reasoned explanation … that its guidelines adequately protect against the harmful effects of exposure to radiofrequency radiation unrelated to cancer.” CaseLaw
References / Coverage:
- ♦ Environmental Health Trust: https://ehtrust.org/in-historic-decision-federal-court-finds-fcc-failed-to-explain-why-it-ignored-scientific-evidence-showing-harm-from-wireless-radiation/
- ♦ Children’s Health Defense: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/landmark-5g-case-against-fcc-hearing-set-jan-25/
7. 2020 (updated 2022) – Clarifying the “insufficient energy” fallacy
Professor Denis Henshaw issued a critical warning addressing the widespread misconception that cell phone and RF radiation cannot cause serious illness because it has “insufficient energy to damage DNA.” This enduring fallacy has long been used to justify outdated ICNIRP/FCC guidelines. The updated 2022 version reinforces that scientific evidence shows biological and health effects can occur at exposure levels far below these regulatory limits. This clarification underscores the need for continued caution, stronger protections for children, and reassessment of wireless rollout policies.
🔗 Read the full warning
8. Why These Early Warnings Matter Today
- ♦ These cases predate 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi proliferation, and dense small-cell deployment.
- ♦ They demonstrate that non-thermal RF exposure can produce chronic health effects.
- ♦ Authorities were made aware of the documented health impacts, but no regulatory action was taken at the time, and little has changed since.
- ♦ Modern populations face greater cumulative exposure, highlighting the urgent need for:
- – Independent health research
- – Precautionary setback policies
- – Public health monitoring and transparency
This information underscores that, decades before the deployment of 5G, early warnings from communities, physicians, and independent researchers were formally communicated to UK authorities and largely ignored, highlighting the urgent need for independent health research, precautionary siting policies, and robust public health monitoring today.
9. More Research
- ♦ 1,600+ peer-reviewed studies:
https://www.powerwatch.org.uk/science/studies.asp - ♦ 4,000+ studies and scientific reviews:
https://bioinitiative.org/ - ♦ 48,000+ publications and 7,000+ detailed scientific summaries on EMF effects:
https://www.emf-portal.org/en - ♦ Independent reviews demonstrate that 81 per cent of 1,880 published RF studies and 88 per cent of 1,178 ELF studies found statistically significant biological effects below ICNIRP limits. This data is publicly available via Dr Joel Moskowitz, University of California, Berkeley: https://www.saferemr.com/2018/02/effects-of-exposure-to-electromagnetic.html
10. Further Presentations and Advocacy
The EM Radiation Research Trust (RRT) has presented evidence on RF‑EMF health risks at numerous national and international events. RRT organised the 2008 RRT Conference at the Royal Society, bringing together experts from both sides of the debate. The Trust has also participated in meetings with policymakers and scientific groups at the UK Parliament, EU Parliament, EU Commission, WHO, as well as forums in Ireland, Russia, Norway, and other countries.
♦ Full details of conferences and presentations: EM Radiation Research Trust – September Conference