Yesterday (May 31), the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) issued a statement that they classify radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
The organization cites an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use.
Over the last few years, there has been mounting concern about the possibility of adverse health effects from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by wireless communication devices. The number of mobile phone subscriptions is estimated at 5 billion globally.
From May 24 to 31, a working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries met at IARC in Lyon, France, to assess the potential carcinogenic hazards from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.
One study of past cell phone use (up to the year 2004), showed a 40 percent increased risk for gliomas in the highest category of heavy users (reported average: 30 minutes per day over a 10-year period).
Chairperson of the working group, Dr Jonathan Samet, said, “The conclusion means that there could be some risk, and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk."
With potential consequences for public health, the group recommends using texting and hands-free devices to reduce exposure pending additional research into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones.