Posted by: Ramesh Venkatraman
Mobile/Cell phone use has become ubiquitous. Global estimates put the number of mobile users at 5 billion. Cell phones emit radio-frequency (RF) waves, a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation which can be absorbed by human tissue when in close proximity to the source of radiation. The amount of RF energy absorbed by a cell-phone user depends on (1) phone technology, (2) extent and type of use (3) distance between the device and the user. This post highlights the WHO and US-FDA recommendations on the use of mobile phones and the potential risk of cancer.
The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) a key compnent of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified radiofrequency fields such as those emmitted by mobile/cell phones under GROUP-2B thereby placing it along with substances such as lead, engine exhaust, and chloroform - What this means is that the WHO now believes that mobile/cell phones are "possibly carcinogenic to humans".
The National Cancer Institue (NCI) of the USA also says that although studies have so far not confirmed a direct link between mobile/cell phone use and cancer, there is evidence to show that prolonged cell-phone use heats-up brain tissue, and more specifically increases glucose meatobolism on the side of the brain closest to the phone antenna/receiver. It is important to note here that a meta-analysis of 10 published studies on "long-term cell phone use and cancer risk" concluded that there is an association between mobile/cell-phone use and development of glioma and acoustic neuroma on long term use ( > 10 years) (Hardell L, et al. International Journal of Oncology, 2008;32:1097-1103.)
The US FDA has recommended that cell phone users (1) reserve the use of cell phones for shorter conversations or for times when a landline phone is not available and (2) Use a hands-free device which increases the distance between the phone and the users head.
Important studies that have also confirmed the possible link between mobile phone use and increased cancer risk include a 2009 study published in the Journal of clinical Oncology involving 37,916 participants (Myung Kwon S, et al. J clin Oncol, 2009;27:5565-5572.), and Michel Kundi's article in the Environmental Health Perspectives Journal published in 2000 (Kundi M. Environ Health Perspect. 2009;117:316-324.).
Most of these studies and recommendations have come and continue to come from researchers and Government action in the Western Countries. In India where cell phone use has become ubiquitous, precious little is being done by the Government, media, or research agencies to at least highlight the concerns that are slowly but steadily building up about the risks associated with long-term cell phone use.
For a start we can at least do the following (Adapted from the US FDA recommendations on cell phone use):
Mobile/Cell phone use has become ubiquitous. Global estimates put the number of mobile users at 5 billion. Cell phones emit radio-frequency (RF) waves, a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation which can be absorbed by human tissue when in close proximity to the source of radiation. The amount of RF energy absorbed by a cell-phone user depends on (1) phone technology, (2) extent and type of use (3) distance between the device and the user. This post highlights the WHO and US-FDA recommendations on the use of mobile phones and the potential risk of cancer.
The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) a key compnent of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified radiofrequency fields such as those emmitted by mobile/cell phones under GROUP-2B thereby placing it along with substances such as lead, engine exhaust, and chloroform - What this means is that the WHO now believes that mobile/cell phones are "possibly carcinogenic to humans".
The National Cancer Institue (NCI) of the USA also says that although studies have so far not confirmed a direct link between mobile/cell phone use and cancer, there is evidence to show that prolonged cell-phone use heats-up brain tissue, and more specifically increases glucose meatobolism on the side of the brain closest to the phone antenna/receiver. It is important to note here that a meta-analysis of 10 published studies on "long-term cell phone use and cancer risk" concluded that there is an association between mobile/cell-phone use and development of glioma and acoustic neuroma on long term use ( > 10 years) (Hardell L, et al. International Journal of Oncology, 2008;32:1097-1103.)
The US FDA has recommended that cell phone users (1) reserve the use of cell phones for shorter conversations or for times when a landline phone is not available and (2) Use a hands-free device which increases the distance between the phone and the users head.
Important studies that have also confirmed the possible link between mobile phone use and increased cancer risk include a 2009 study published in the Journal of clinical Oncology involving 37,916 participants (Myung Kwon S, et al. J clin Oncol, 2009;27:5565-5572.), and Michel Kundi's article in the Environmental Health Perspectives Journal published in 2000 (Kundi M. Environ Health Perspect. 2009;117:316-324.).
Most of these studies and recommendations have come and continue to come from researchers and Government action in the Western Countries. In India where cell phone use has become ubiquitous, precious little is being done by the Government, media, or research agencies to at least highlight the concerns that are slowly but steadily building up about the risks associated with long-term cell phone use.
For a start we can at least do the following (Adapted from the US FDA recommendations on cell phone use):
- Avoid using cell phones for long conversations
- Choose texting over talking
- Use a landline whenever you have a landline phone close at hand
- Use a hands-free device (not a Bluetooth) or the loudspeaker option where feasible
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