Cancer Researcher Warns of Cell Phone Risks

The chief of a cancer institute in Pittsburgh warned his staff today to take precautions with cell phones because of possible health risks, the Post-Gazette reports. The doctor advised people to keep their calls short, text whenever possible to keep phones away from the head, and limit use among children. The warning appears to be the first from any major cancer center in the US.

"Recently I have become aware of the growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer," said Dr. Ronald Herberman in his memo. "Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use." (More cell phones stories.)