Contents:
- Medical Video: David Agus - Cell Phone Radiation
- Why are there concerns that cellphones can cause cancer?
- Is there a connection between cellphone radiation and cancer?
- There have been no studies on the effects of long-term mobile radiation
- Conclusion
Medical Video: David Agus - Cell Phone Radiation
The possibility that cellphones can cause cancer is still controversial. Some studies show that cellphones have no effect on cancer risk. However, this is a short-term study that cannot clearly show the impact of mobile radiation in the long run. How exactly is the relationship between cell phone use and cancer risk?
Why are there concerns that cellphones can cause cancer?
There are three main reasons why people worry that cellphones might cause cancer or other health problems:
- Cellphones emit radiofrequency energy which is a form of non-ionizing radiation, and the closest body tissue can absorb this energy.
- The number of mobile users is increasing very fast. Globally, the number of users is estimated by International Telecommunications Union reaching 5 billion.
- From day to day, the duration of each telephone and the number of times people use cellphones is increasing. There are more than 420,000 cellphone users over a period of 20 years.
Is there a connection between cellphone radiation and cancer?
Until now, most research shows that there is no connection between cellphones and cancer.
Radiofrequency energy from cellphones does not cause DNA damage which can result in cancer. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) runs a large-scale study of rodents exposed to radiofrequency energy (the type used in cellphones). This investigation is carried out in a very specialized laboratory that can determine and control the radiation source and assess its effects.
What the researchers learned about cellphones and cancer:
- Following more than 420,000 cellphone users, the researchers found no evidence of a connection between cellphones and brain tumors.
- A study found a link between cell phones with salivary gland cancer, but only a small number of participants experienced it.
After assessing several studies focusing on the possible link between cellphones and gliomas and non-cancerous brain tumors called neuromas, the members International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization WHO) agrees that there is only limited evidence that cell phone radiation is a cancer-causing agent (carcinogenic).
There have been no studies on the effects of long-term mobile radiation
This series of researches that have been done cannot be the only reference. It often takes years between the use of cancer-causing factors and observation of cancer rates. For now, it is possible that the time range is too short to detect an increase in cancer rates that are directly related to cellphone use.
Now, people are questioning whether children are more at risk of absorbing radiofrequency than adults or not. For now, the answer is still unclear. However, scientists and a number of government organizations still encourage children to avoid using cellphones.
Conclusion
For now, no one knows whether cellphones can cause cancer. Although long-term research is underway, until now there has been no convincing evidence that cellphone use can increase cancer risk.
If you are worried about possible links between cellphone radiation and cancer, consider limiting your cellphone usage. Or, use a speaker or device hands-free, so you can bekeep the cellphone from your head every time you make a call.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
