A detailed review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that there is no evidence linking mobile phone use to brain cancer or other head and neck cancers. This extensive study, led by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (Arpansa), analyzed over 5,000 studies, ultimately including 63 high-quality observational studies published between 1994 and 2022.
Key Findings from the Review
No Link to Cancer :
The review found no overall association between mobile phone use and cancer, including no correlation with prolonged use or the amount of time spent on the phone. Despite the significant increase in mobile phone usage over the years, brain tumor rates have remained stable.
The review addresses concerns related to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones. While mobile phones emit radio waves, these are not the same as nuclear radiation. The energy from these waves is low-level and not considered harmful at the levels emitted by mobile phonesEarlier studies that suggested a possible link between mobile phones and brain cancer often relied on self-reported data, which can be biased. Those with brain tumors may overreport their phone use, skewing results.
Previous WHO Classification:
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) previously classified radio-frequency fields as a possible carcinogen in 2011 based on early studies. This classification placed radio-frequency fields in a category with other agents for which the evidence of harm is uncertain. It is important to note that this classification does not imply a definitive risk.
Ongoing Research:
The review acknowledges that while current evidence does not support a link between mobile phones and cancer, continued research is essential as technology evolves. The team is now investigating less commonly associated cancers, such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Expert Opinions:
Associate Professor Ken Karipidis: The lead author of the review, Karipidis, emphasized that despite the increased use of mobile phones, there has been no corresponding rise in brain tumor rates. He reassures that the concerns about mobile phones and cancer are not supported by the latest evidence.
Professor Tim Driscoll, Chair of the Australian Cancer Council’s Occupational and Environmental Cancers Committee, has praised the methodology of a recent review on mobile phone safety. He emphasized that the existing evidence continues to support the view that mobile phones do not pose a significant cancer risk. Driscoll’s endorsement reflects confidence in the review’s rigorous approach and the consensus within the scientific community regarding mobile phone safety.
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