Hepatocellular Cancer, Aflatoxin, and Radiofrequency Radiation

Author(s): Lennart Hardell

There is sufficient evidence that aflatoxin is a human carcinogen, Group 1, according the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). One of the target organs is the liver with increased risk for hepatocellular cancer. Mill workers may be exposed to aflatoxin e.g. during the processing of imported soybeans.

Methods: In this study, using data from the Swedish 1960 census on occupations and the Cancer Register, 16 mill workers with hepatocellular cancer were identified. Two control groups were used, one group consisted of other mill workers without liver cancer while the other was population based. Four controls in each group were used matched to every case.

Results: Based on work history potential exposure to aflatoxin was no risk factor for hepatocellular cancer, but the results were based on low numbers.

Discussion: After a decline of the incidence of primary liver cancer in Sweden since early 1980s the incidence is increasing since 2006 in women and since 2007 in men. Radiofrequency (RF) radiation is a known human carcinogen, Group 2B, according to the IARC (WHO) evaluation. Handheld devices emitting RF radiation such as laptops and mobile phones may be in close contact with the abdomen and thereby expose the liver to high levels. Animal studies have shown a promotor effect from RF radiation with increased risk for e.g., liver cancer. Exposure to RF radiation is proposed to be a potential contributing factor to the increasing incidence of liver cancer, exhibiting a short latency period consistent with a promoting effect.