The cellphone myth has been cleared.
For those concerned about the health effects of excessive cellphone use, a recent international review offers some reassurance. The World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned this comprehensive analysis, which evaluated 5,000 studies published between 1994 and 2022. The review, involving 11 experts from 10 countries, was published in Environmental International.
The primary aim of the review was to investigate whether prolonged exposure to radio frequencies—emitted by devices such as cellphones—could be linked to an increased risk of brain cancer. After examining 63 key studies, the researchers found no evidence that cellphone use, even over extended periods (10 years or more), increases the risk of brain cancer. The review also found no heightened risk of leukemia or brain cancer in children exposed to radio or TV transmitters or cellphone towers.
Lead author Ken Karipidis expressed that the results are reassuring, noting that despite the dramatic rise in cellphone use, there has been no corresponding increase in brain cancer rates. The concerns about potential links between radio wave exposure and cancer first surfaced in 2011 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radio waves as a possible carcinogen based on limited observational studies.
Karipidis pointed out that earlier research often relied on case-control studies, which can introduce bias. Additionally, newer cellphone networks such as 3G and 4G emit significantly lower levels of radio frequency compared to older networks. While there is limited research on 5G networks, studies of similar high-frequency radar technologies have not shown an increased cancer risk. Furthermore, having more cellphone towers can actually reduce radiation exposure from cellphones since they need less power to connect to nearby towers.
Experts have noted that new technologies frequently trigger health concerns, particularly when they are rapidly adopted. Keith Petrie from the University of Auckland highlighted that similar fears arose with other technologies, including unfounded theories linking 5G towers to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
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