RCN News
September 08, 2024
06:53 p. m.
A study commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that there is no scientific evidence to show that mobile phone use increases the risk of developing brain cancer.
The research was led by scientist Ken Karipidis, deputy director of health impact assessment at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). The team, made up of 11 experts from 10 countries, reviewed a total of 63 studies conducted between 1994 and 2022.
There is no risk of brain cancer from using mobile phones
The study was presented after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified exposure to radio waves emitted by mobile phones as a possible carcinogenic risk for humans in 2011. However, the new systematic review, based on a much larger and more detailed data set, contradicted that classification.
The researchers found that the IARC classification was based on previous observational studies showing increased mobile phone use among people with brain cancer, but without conclusive evidence establishing a causal relationship and confirming the theory.
The systematic review covered more than 5,000 studies, but only 63 were considered relevant and suitable for the research criteria.
What does research say about mobile phone use and brain cancer risk?
The results indicated that there is no significant association between mobile phone use and brain cancer, or with other types of head or neck cancer.
In fact, the study found that even those who used the devices for a decade or more, or who made a greater number of calls, did not show an increased risk of developing cancer.
The study supported previous research and debunked alarmist headlines that linked cell phone use to brain cancer. It also noted that despite the rise in wireless technology use in recent decades, “there has been no observed increase in the incidence of brain cancers.”
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has established safe limits for exposure to radio waves from mobile phones and other wireless technologies.
According to the researchers, these limits are adequate and protect human health, as the devices emit low-level radio waves, well below the established limits.
Although the results of the research were positive, experts stressed the importance of continuing to analyze the possible impacts on human health due to the rapid advancement and integration of new technologies. They reaffirmed that science will continue to monitor public health trends to ensure safety in exposure to radio waves.
