Cell Phones and Brain Tumors

When cell phones first became an option for those who could afford it, there was a big scare that using a cell phone would cause brain tumors. More than a decade later, there is new concern that cell phone use is linked to brain tumors.

When cell phones first became popular in the mid-1990s, there was a big scare that using cell phones would cause brain cancer. At that time, many cell phones projected a radio frequency higher than government allowed, causing concern over radiation exposure to cell phones and health risks by using them.

However, a study published in 2001 showed no connection between cell phone use and brain tumors. In fact, it was found that in the study group, those who used cell phones were less at risk for developing brain tumor, though it was unclear as to why. You can read more about the study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Even today, more recent studies show no definite correlation between cell phone use and the development of brain tumors. Yet that concern is being brought forth yet again over a decade later.

The World Health Organizatin (WHO) is classifying cell phones as possible carcinogens, even though there are no conclusive studies to prove that cell phone use causes brain tumors. The theory is based on radiation given off by cell phones and how much of that radiation is absorbed into the body.

You can check out an article by Gina Roberts-Grey on Lifescript for tips on how to reduce your exposure to radiation from cell phones. She also includes a list of radiation absorption levels for the top 10 cell phones. Smart phones give off more radiation than traditional cell phones.

Many people, like this writer, only have a cell phone rather than a land line or both. Since cell phones are still fairly new in human history, long-term health risks are not known as of yet. The best that can be done for now is to limit exposure to radiation from cell phones merely as a possible preventative measure.

SOURCES:

Howard Frumkin, MD, DrPH, et al.; Cellular Phones and Risk of Brain Tumors; http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/full/51/2/137

Nezih OKTAR; Cell Phones and Brain Tumors; http://www.jns.dergisi.org/text.php3?id=417

Gina Roberts-Grey; Is Your Cell Phone Harming Your Health?; http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Everyday-Care/Health_Basics/Is_Your_Cell_Phone_Harming_Your_Health.aspx?utm_campaign=2011-06-02-82360&utm_source=healthy-advantage&utm_medium=email&utm_content=healthy-well-wise_Is%20Your%20Cell%20Phone%20Har&FromNL=1&sc_date=20110602T000000