A major review of 63 studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispelled fears that using cellphones could lead to brain cancer. Despite concerns in the past, this comprehensive analysis suggests that radiation from mobile devices is not likely to increase the risk of developing brain tumors.
Researchers examined data from 63 studies conducted between 1994 and 2022 across 22 countries. These studies looked at the impact of radio frequencies from various sources, including mobile phones, base stations, transmitters, and occupational exposure, on the incidence of brain cancers in both adults and children as well as cancers of the pituitary and salivary glands and leukemia.
Despite a significant increase in the use of wireless technology over the past two decades, the data shows no corresponding rise in brain cancer cases. Users who frequently make long phone calls and those who have used mobile devices for over a decade were also part of the study. There is ‘moderate certainty evidence’ that radiation from mobile phone use close to the head does not increase the risk of several nervous system cancers or childhood brain tumors. Additionally, there is ‘low certainty evidence’ that cordless phone radiation use near the head may not increase the risk of glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma.
The research also pointed out that whole-body radiation from fixed-site transmitters like broadcasting antennas or base stations is unlikely to increase the risk of childhood leukemia according to ‘moderate certainty evidence.’ Occupational radiation exposure also shows ‘low certainty evidence’ of not increasing the risk of brain cancers. These findings are corroborated by experts like Dr. Wael Harb and Dr. Naveed Wagle, who praised the study’s thorough and methodologically sound approach.
Dr. Harb noted that this review adds to the growing body of evidence, reinforcing that RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones is not linked to an increased risk of brain tumors such as glioma and meningioma. He emphasized the robustness of the study’s conclusions, given that they accounted for potential biases and confounders. Dr. Wagle pointed out the enhanced statistical significance due to the pooling of smaller past studies, which had limited scope.
The current consensus among experts has shifted significantly over time. Initially, studies had raised concerns about the carcinogenic potential of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), leading to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifying mobile phone radiation as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ in 2013. However, the new WHO-led review, alongside other comprehensive research, found little to no evidence supporting a significant link between RF-EMF exposure and brain cancer. The stabilization of brain cancer rates despite the rise in mobile phone usage supports this viewpoint.
The National Cancer Institute also supports this evidence, explaining that the low-frequency, low-energy radio waves emitted by cellphones are incapable of damaging DNA and increasing cancer risk, unlike high-frequency ionizing radiation from x-rays or cosmic rays. The institute noted that brain cancer rates have remained stable even as mobile phone use has soared. Dr. Harb suggested that while cautionary measures like using hands-free devices could be adopted, they are likely unnecessary given the minimal risk indicated by current evidence.
Brain cancer remains a mystery in many aspects, with genetic predispositions, family history, and ionizing radiation exposure as established risk factors. However, most brain tumors are sporadic with no clear cause. Experts continue to study potential environmental and genetic factors, but current evidence substantiates that mobile phone use is not among these risk factors.
In summary, the WHO’s comprehensive review of existing research offers substantial reassurance that typical mobile phone use does not pose a significant risk of brain cancer. The ongoing stability in brain cancer rates, despite the increase in mobile phone use, aligns with this conclusion. While the causes of brain cancer remain largely unknown, this evidence helps to clarify that cellphones are an unlikely culprit.
Source: Healthline