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
Cell Phones May Raise Risk of Tumors: WHO Study
A young woman talks on her cell phone.   (Shutter Stock)

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. (More cell phones stories.)

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