Use Of Mobiles Phone Long Term May Be Linked To Cancer

Source : Daily telegraph

The world Health Organization (WHO) publishing the effect of use of mobiles phone for a period of 10 years or more related to developing brain tumours.

The head of the Interphone investigation said “the current balance of evidence doesn’t show health problems caused by using mobile phones”, and suggests only that children be “discouraged” from making “non-essential” calls while adults should “keep calls short”.

Several  countries like  France, have begun strengthening warnings and American politicians are urgently investigating the hazards. The Interphone inquiry has been investigating whether exposure to mobiles phone is linked to three types of brain tumour and a tumour of the salivary gland.

Its head, Dr Elisabeth Cardis, backed new warnings.

New Mobile Phones

“In the absence of definitive results and in the light of a number of studies which, though limited, suggest a potential effect of radiofrequency radiation, precautions are important,” she said.

“I am therefore globally in agreement with the idea of restricting the use by children, though I would not go as far as banning mobiles phone as they can be a very important tool, not only in emergencies, but also maintaining contact between children and their parents and thus playing a reassurance role. “Means to reduce our exposure (use of hands-free kits and moderating our use of phones) are also interesting.”

The project conducted studies in 13 countries, interviewing tumour sufferers and people in good health to see whether their mobile phone use differed. It questioned about 12,800 people.

Previous research into the health effects of mobiles phone, in the short time they have been in use, has proved inconclusive. However, a breakdown of the latest findings, shows that six of eight Interphone analyses found some rise in the risk of glioma (the most common brain tumour), with one finding a 39 %  increase.

Two of seven studies into acoustic neurinoma (a benign tumour of a nerve between the ear and brain) reported a higher risk after using mobiles for 10 years. A Swedish report said it was 3.9 times higher.

A summary said a definitive link could not be proved because of difficulties with subjects’ memories.  An Israeli study found heavy users were about 50 % more expected to suffer tumours of the parotid salivary gland.

The Interphone inquiry has faced criticism for including people who made just one call a week, and leaving out children, which some experts said could underplay the risks. Some results for short-term use appeared to show protection against cancer, suggesting flaws in the study.

The final paper, funded partly by the industry, has been delayed as its authors argued over how to present the conclusions. But it has been sent to a scientific journal and will be published before the end of the year.

A spokesman for the Health Protection Agency said there was “no hard evidence at present” of harm to health. Use by children for non-essential calls should be discouraged, he added.

A spokesman for the Mobile Operators Association said more than 30 scientific reviews had found no adverse health effects.

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