Here at Inhabitots, we’ve long debated whether or not cell phones and iPhones are harmful or a useful tool. In fact 276 of Inhabitots readers (and counting) say that they let their kids use cell phones or iPhones. Today, the debate clears up a little, as the World Health Organization (WHO) along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have officially classified the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields used by cell phones as cancer-causing to humans. In their new report (pdf), WHO states that cell phone use is significantly linked to an increased risk for glioma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.
In the past, WHO has stated that cell phone use is likely safe, but have changed their tune with this new report. According to CNN, this change of tune came about after a team of 31 scientists from 14 countries, including the USA, reviewed various peer-reviewed studies on cell phones. After researching these studies, the researchers found enough of a connection between cancer and cell phones to be concerned. While the report doesn’t recommend ditching your cell phone (yet), IARC Director Christopher Wild does say:
“It is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands‐free devices or texting.“
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You’re aware this article is horribly misleading, right? The WHO didn’t declare cell phones as cancer-causing. They added them to the list of “possibly cancer-causing” meaning there is possibly a connection between the radiation and cancer but the data is too limited to make any conclusive decision. For more information refer to this NPR article…or you can just read the referenced PDF file to see that they say it’s possible and not definitive.
Is there research on the measurable risk of the hands free blue tooth devices being used vs using the cell phone directly?