Mobile phones have long been the subject of health debates, with many people fearing that prolonged use may lead to cancer, particularly brain and head cancers. However, a recent comprehensive review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that mobile phone usage is not linked to brain cancer.
Led by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (Arpansa), the review examined over 5,000 studies, of which 63 scientifically rigorous ones were selected for final analysis. This makes it the most in-depth study to date on the subject, aiming to put to rest public concerns about the safety of mobile phones.
Is There A Link Between Mobile And Cancer?
Ken Karipidis, the vice-chair of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, pointed out that people often panic when they hear the term “radiation,” thinking it’s like nuclear radiation.
He explained, “Radiation is just energy moving from one place to another, and it comes in different forms, like UV rays from the sun.” While we’re exposed to low levels of radio waves daily, the amount from mobile phones is higher because they’re used close to our heads. This, he noted, is what sparks concern, even though the exposure remains relatively low.
The review, which spanned studies published between 1994 and 2022, found no overall association between mobile phone usage and cancers such as glioma, brain, and salivary gland tumors.
Karipidis, who is also the lead author Associate Professor, said, “We concluded the evidence does not show a link between mobile phones and brain cancer or other head and neck cancers.” Even after considering factors like prolonged use (over 10 years) and the amount of time spent on calls, no increased risk of cancer was found.
Despite the rise in mobile phone use over the years, brain tumor rates have remained stable, further supporting the review’s conclusion. The study also highlights the safety of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones.
“We’re always exposed to low-level radio waves in our everyday environment,” added Karipidis, reassuring the public about the minimal risks posed by mobile devices.
How Did The Study Refute Myths
Concerns about mobile phones and cancer originated from early studies that were biased due to the reliance on participants’ memories. People with brain tumors often overreported their phone usage, skewing results.
In 2011, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radio-frequency fields from mobile phones as a “possible” carcinogen, putting them in the same category as aloe vera and pickled vegetables.
Karpidis clarified, “This classification doesn’t mean all that much,” adding that the new research provides the strongest evidence so far that mobile phones are safe to use in terms of cancer risks.
Karipidis and his team note that this label was largely misunderstood, leading to undue panic. The new review includes studies that have corrected many of the biases found in earlier research, providing more definitive answers.
Tim Driscoll, chair of the Australian Cancer Council’s occupational and environmental cancers committee, says this new review provides a stronger scientific basis. “People should feel reassured by this study,” said Driscoll, though he acknowledges that no study is perfect. The weight of evidence, however, is enough to consider mobile phones safe to use with regard to cancer.
Read More: Microplastics Found In Indian Sugar And Salt; How It Impacts Us
What The Experts Opine
Many oncologists and radiation safety experts agree with the review’s conclusions. Dr. Abhishek Shankar, an oncologist from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), notes that mobile phone radiation is non-ionizing, unlike harmful ionizing radiation from X-rays. “The radiation from cell phones is non-ionising – the ones that don’t cause cancer.”
Dr. Pritam Kataria, a medical oncologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, supports the study but also calls for more research across larger populations.
“This crystallized review may seem cogent, but we still need more studies,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research. While experts agree that mobile phones are not carcinogenic, Dr. Shyam Aggarwal from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital warns against excessive mobile use for other health reasons like addiction and anxiety.
While the review focused on cancer risks, it also touched on other health effects. A separate WHO-commissioned study found no link between mobile phone usage and male fertility.
However, some studies did show a possible association with female fertility in cases where radio wave exposure far exceeded safety limits. This highlights the importance of adhering to exposure guidelines, even if the risks are minimal.
Dr. Shankar also stresses the importance of focusing on proven cancer risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of preventive screenings.
Dr. Shankar advised, “While mobile phones may not cause cancer, reducing other risk factors can significantly lower cancer rates.” Excessive phone use, while not linked to cancer, can lead to issues like headaches, anxiety, and hearing loss, making it wise to monitor screen time.
The comprehensive review commissioned by the WHO provides reassuring evidence that mobile phones are not linked to brain or head cancers. While the myth that mobile phones cause cancer has persisted for years, this study, led by Arpansa, should put those concerns to rest. Experts agree that radio waves emitted by phones are non-ionizing and do not pose a cancer risk.
However, as technology evolves, ongoing research remains essential to ensure public safety. In the meantime, while there’s no need to fear your phone, it’s always a good idea to moderate usage to avoid other health issues like addiction and anxiety. The takeaway? Keep your calls going—but maybe put down the phone during dinner!
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Guardian
This post is tagged under: Mobile Phones, Health, Radiation Myths, Health Safety, Cancer Research, Technology, WHO Study, Radiation Safety, Mobile Phone Use, Brain Cancer Research, Science Facts, Public Health, Non Ionizing Radiation, Myth Busting, Safe Tech, Health Awareness
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, or copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
Other Recommendations:
ResearchED: Are Instagram Stories Causing You Emotional Turmoil And Cognitive Dissonance?
