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Cell Phones May Raise Risk of Tumors: WHO Study

Lead researcher says kids' use should be restricted

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 24, 2009 1:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – One of the most thorough reviews yet of the health risks of cell phones suggests that longtime users face a higher risk of brain tumors. The World Health Organization study is not definitive, but it bolsters the case that precautions make sense. The lead researcher tells the Telegraph she thinks that kids' use of cell phones should be restricted—but not eliminated—and that adults should consider devices such as hands-free kits.

“In the absence of definitive results and in the light of a number of studies which, though limited, suggest a possible effect of radiofrequency radiation, precautions are important,” says Dr. Elisabeth Cardis. The decade-long review conducted studies in 13 countries and interviewed nearly 13,000 people. Results are expected to be formally published before the end of the year.

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A young woman talks on her cell phone. (Shutter Stock)

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I am therefore globally in agreement with the idea of restricting the use by children, though I would not go as far as banning mobile phones as they can be a very important tool. - Dr. Elisabeth Cardis, head of the study

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 11 comments

dax

Oct 27, 2009 7:14 AM CDT

Yes shonangreg, "really." I'm not making any definitive statement about 'cause and effect.' But I have measured the EMF on several Bluethooth earpieces to be as high or nearly as high as the EMF generated by my cell phones. Plug in earpieces generate the same high levels of EMF as well. ---- I can't speak to the long term effects but I can tell you that Bluetooth earpieces produce same levels of EMF. Since the jury is out, I would proceed with caution and utilize speakerphone functions.

DontLikeYou___

Oct 25, 2009 8:11 AM CDT

I've known this for years. The US says they are safe which goes to show how much the government overlooks in the name of keeping the money flowing to Washington DC.

zackmasson

Oct 25, 2009 6:01 AM CDT

yep cell phones and blue tooth produce enough radiation to cause tumors. There has been a solution for years, a chip that produces a mitigating radio transmission to make it safe. http://www.cellphone-health.co...

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Health • Technology

cancer • cell phones • public health • communication • cell phone industry • brain tumor • hands-free cell phone • women's issues

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Cell Phones May Raise Risk of Tumors: WHO Study