The wireless industry claims the causal link between cell phones and cancer is unproven, but the World Health Organization announced in May 2011 that radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer. We already know that microwave radiation causes cancer, and cell phones use microwave; so it’s not hard to connect the dots. The agency now lists mobile phone use in the same “carcinogenic hazard” category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. Thirty-one scientists from 14 countries made the decision after assessing peer-reviewed studies on cell phone safety. The team found enough evidence to categorize personal exposure as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
Scientists found some evidence of increase in glioma and acoustic neuroma brain cancer for mobile phone users, but have not been able to draw conclusions for other types of cancers. Among the findings: Regular use of a cell phone can significantly increase the risk of glioma by 40%. Most notably, tumors are most likely to occur on the side of the head most used for calling – a situation known as ipsilateral tumors. For more information, read Cell Phone Poisoning.
The Rebuttal
“Authors emphasize that no increased risk was detected overall,” noted head of the Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Michael Kundi, “(but) this is not unexpected. No exposure to carcinogens that cause solid tumors like brain cancer or lung cancers, for example from tobacco and asbestos, have ever been shown to significantly increase cancer risk in people with such short duration of exposure. The latency period for brain cancer is 15-30 years.”
The wireless industry responded to the WHO’s announcement, stating, “[it] does not mean cell phones cause cancer.” CTIA – The Wireless Association – added that WHO researchers “did not conduct any new research, but rather reviewed published studies.”
More recently, a group of international researchers meeting in Istanbul, Turkey released what they called “stunning proof” that confirms findings from the Council of Europe that digital signals from cell phones disrupt DNA, impair brain function and lower sperm count. Professor Wilhelm Mosgoeller with the Medical University of Vienna said he found that RF-EMFs induce DNA breaks, contradicting industry claims to the contrary.
Critics of industry-sponsored studies also point out that any studies can be designed to reach pre-arranged safety conclusions by those with a vested interest in safety outcomes.
