Cell phones and cancer
Several major studies show
no link between cell phones and cancer at this time.
However, since the
information available is based on short-term studies, the impact of many years
of exposure is not known.
The amount of time people
spend on cell phones has increased and will be taken into consideration during
current and future studies. Research will continue to investigate whether there
is a relationship between slow-growing tumors in the brain or elsewhere with
long-term cell phone use.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT CELL
PHONE USE
Cell phones use low levels
of radiofrequency energy (RF). Exposures to low levels of RF from cell phones
have not been consistently found to cause health problems.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have developed guidelines
that limit the amount of radiofrequency energy that cell phones are allowed to
give off.
The RF exposure from cell
phones is measured in Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR measures the
amount of energy absorbed by the body. The SAR permitted in the United States
is 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg).
According to the FCC, this
amount is much lower than the level shown to cause any changes in laboratory
animals. Every cell phone manufacturer is required to report the RF exposure of
each of its phone models to the FCC.
CHILDREN AND CELL PHONES
Generally, cell phone
studies have involved adults aged 18 or older. Most children didn't use cell
phones until the mid-1990s. This leaves the effects of cell phone use on
children unclear.
Other national governments
have recommended that children be discouraged from using cell phones. In
December 2000, the British government handed out pamphlets that recommended
reducing the amount of time children spend on a cell phone. However, there was
no scientific evidence confirming or denying a health risk.
REDUCING RISKS
Although health problems
related to long-term use are thought to be unlikely, you can take some steps to
limit your potential risk.
Have lengthy phone
conversations on a conventional telephone (landline) instead of your cell
phone.
Change to a cell phone that
has its antenna outside the vehicle.
Use a headset and place the
phone away from your body.
Find out how much SAR energy
your cell phone gives off.
Cancer and cell phones; Do
cell phones cause cancer?
References
Myung SK, Ju W, McDonnell
DD, et al. Mobile phone use and risk of tumors: a meta-analysis. J Clin
Oncol. 2009 Nov 20;27(33):5565-72.
Update Date: 9/9/2012
Updated by: David C.
Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine,
Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Yi-Bin
Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General
Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.
Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
No comments:
Post a Comment