In recent news, a World Health Organization scientific panel has raised the issue of cell phone safety by stating that they may cause brain cancer. A panel of 31 scientists reviewed the available data and have concluded that cell phones are a possible carcinogenic hazard. For years people have wondered whether cell phones and the radio frequency magnetic fields they produce are safe.
The statement was issued by the International Agency for Research on Cancer" (IARC) after a "weeklong meeting" during which experts reviewed "possible links between cancer and the type of electromagnetic radiation found in cellphones, microwaves and radar." The IARC classified cellphones in "category 2B, meaning they are possibly carcinogenic" to humans. The assessment now "goes to WHO and national health agencies for possible guidance on cellphone use."
Apparently, the IARC group did not conduct new or original research. Instead, the panel reviewed existing literature that focused on the health effects of radio frequency magnetic fields. Its findings are published in a July issue of Lancet Oncology.
The panel of 30 scientists from 14 countries reviewed hundreds of articles, including animal research and human studies, some of which had methodological limitations or provided inconsistent results. The new report cites some key studies, including the 2010 INTERPHONE study, the largest investigation so far of cell phone use and brain tumors.
The INTERPHONE data showed that people who used cell phones appeared to be at a slightly lower risk, overall, of developing glioma, a type of brain cancer, than those who never used cell phones. However, in that same study, the top 10 percent of cell phone users in terms of call time (total exposure 1,640 hours and over) had a 40 percent increased risk of glioma compared with those who never used cell phones.
The findings also suggested an increased risk for tumors on the side of the head where the phone was held, and in the brain’s temporal lobe, where exposure to cell phone radiation is highest.
In their new article, the scientists also cited Swedish research published in 2011, that showed an increased risk for glioma with the use of cell phones for more than 10 years. The risk was highest in subjects who first used cell phones before age 20.
Although the INTERPHONE and Swedish studies are susceptible to bias—due to selection of subjects and errors in recall about cell phone use—the scientists said they could not dismiss the findings. They concluded that a “causal interpretation” between exposure to cell phone radiation and glioma is possible.
The new report also noted that those studies drew a “similar” conclusion for acoustic neuroma, a non-cancerous tumor, although the case numbers were substantially smaller than for glioma. Moreover, a study from Japan has found some evidence of an increased risk for acoustic neuroma associated with the same side of the head as cell phone use.
Bottom line: The IARC action is based on limited evidence and doesn't convincingly link typical cell-phone use with cancer. But it does increase the need for further study, as well as better and more visible guidance to consumers on the issue.
In the meantime, exposure can be minimized by using a speakerphone or hands-free headset, holding the phone away from the head and body (especially when a call is connecting), and reducing use, especially by children. Texting instead of calling is an option as well.
