Radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer, report experts from the World Health Organization.
WHO’s cancer research team from 14 countries, including the United States, announced Tuesday that cell phones can pose the same cancer risks as lead and engine exhaust.
Last year, results of a large study found no clear link between cell phones and cancer. But some advocacy groups contend the study raised serious concerns because it showed a hint of a possible connection between very heavy phone use and glioma, a rare but often deadly form of brain tumor. However, the numbers in that subgroup weren't sufficient to make the case.
The study was controversial because it began with people who already had cancer and asked them to recall how often they used their cell phones more than a decade ago.
Because cell phones are so popular, it may be impossible for experts to compare cell phone users who develop brain tumors with people who don't use the devices. According to a survey last year, the number of cell phone subscribers worldwide has hit 5 billion, or nearly three-quarters of the global population.
People's cell phone habits have also changed dramatically since the first studies began years ago and it's unclear if the results of previous research would still apply today.
Since many cancerous tumors take decades to develop, experts say it's impossible to conclude cell phones have no long-term health risks. The studies conducted so far haven't tracked people for longer than about a decade.
Cell phones send signals to nearby towers via radio frequency waves, a form of energy similar to FM radio waves and microwaves. But the radiation produced by cell phones cannot directly damage DNA and is different from stronger types of radiation like X-rays or ultraviolet light. At very high levels, radio frequency waves from cell phones can heat up body tissue, but that is not believed to damage human cells.
Dr. Henry Friedman, co-deputy director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center, said there has never been a solid study linking cell phone use and the development of brain tumors.
"Personally, I am not changing my cell phone use," he said.
According to Cancer Research U.K., the only health danger firmly connected to cell phones is a higher risk of car accidents. The group recommends children under 16 only use cell phones for essential calls because their brains and nervous systems are still developing.
Also, a recent U.S. National Institutes of Health study found that cell phone use can speed up brain activity, but it is unknown whether that has any dangerous health effects.
Government agencies said they will use the group’s findings as a basis for future actions.
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