Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? WHO’s Findings
Cell phones began to become widespread in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since then, they have faced persistent accusations of causing cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed 64 studies conducted from 1994 to 2022, focusing on the relationship between cell phones and brain cancer, and has released its findings.
WHO Finds No Link Between Cell Phones and Brain Cancer
Cell phones, as you know, evolved from car phones to portable models. The technology, which became common in the 1990s, brought with it several concerns, with the potential link between cell phones and brain cancer being the most significant.
The research began in 1994 and continued until 2022. Out of a total of six studies, no connection between cell phones and cancer was found. Although these studies focused on cell phones, they also attempted to establish connections with other devices such as TVs, baby monitors, and radar systems. The studies concentrated on the effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted by these devices.
Professor Mark Elwood of the University of Auckland’s Cancer Epidemiology department, who is also a co-author of the study, explained that most of the research targeted modern devices emitting radiofrequency, including cell towers and cell phones.
The studies investigated potential links between radiofrequency radiation and cancers such as pituitary gland cancer, salivary gland cancer, brain cancer, and leukemia. None of the studies found a definitive connection between these cancers and cell phones or modern devices. Even among long-term cell phone users, no such link was identified.
The studies suggest that if there is any connection, it is not strong enough to significantly increase cancer risk. WHO acknowledges the importance of these findings but emphasizes the need for ongoing research. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified cell phones as “Possibly Carcinogenic” (Class 2B) in 2011.
It is expected that IARC may reconsider this classification based on the recent findings under WHO supervision. The research highlights that there is no proven causal relationship between cell phones or base stations and cancer. This is particularly relevant as there were speculations about health problems and cancer rates rising with the advent of 5G technology.
While the studies over the years suggest that these connections may be unfounded, experts still recommend using headsets for long phone conversations. Despite no significant connection being found, cell phones and electronic devices remain among the factors that could pose a low risk for cancer.
We welcome your comments and opinions on the WHO’s findings regarding the link between cell phones and cancer.
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