News: Cellphones classified as "possibly carcinogenic"
Updated: May 31, 2011
Cellphone bills are not the only reason consumers will want to limit their talk-time. Scientists now say that cellphone radiation
Cellphone bills are not the only reason consumers will want to limit their talk-time.
Scientists now say that cellphone radiation could increase the risk of certain types of brain cancers, Time.com reports.
After reviewing scientific evidence on cellphone radiation and brain tumors, a team of scientists from the World Health Organization‘s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has declared that hand-held cellphones are ‘possibly carcinogenic’ to humans.
‘A review of the human evidence of epidemiological studies shows an increased risk of glioma and malignant types of brain cancer in association with wireless-phone use,’ Dr. Jonathan Samet, chairperson of the IARC, told reporters.
The team of 31 scientists from 14 countries met this week in Lyon, France. Their conclusion classified the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted from cellphones within Group 2B ‘ a category used when there is not enough evidence of the cancer-causing effects in humans but there is sufficient evidence in animals, according to cbc.ca. Other ‘possibly carcinogenic’ agents under Group 2B include lead, DDT, engine exhaust and chloroform.
A study Time.com reported on earlier this year found cellphones to cause changes in brain activity, but it was not clear whether those changes were cancer-causing.
Until further research is done, consumers can reduce their exposure by using hands-free devices or texting, IARC director Christopher Wild told the Huffington Post.
How much time do you spend on the phone? Will you reduce your cellphone use in light of these findings?
Related:
‘ What everyone should know about what can cause cancer
‘ The five deadliest cancers for women
‘ 10 ways to cut your cancer risk
