Cell Phone Brain Cancer Study Doesn't Ring True? Scientists Explain Why
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COLUMBUS, Ohio - Kids who use cell phones have no greater risk of brain cancer than non-user, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. But parents shouldn't breathe a sigh of relief, according to Joel Moskowitz, a director in the School of Public Health at the University of California-Berkeley. He's reviewed the research, and claims the results actually verify higher tumor risks for children, but that those findings are down-played.
"They did report a number of significant associations between cell phone use, in terms of number of years of use, with brain tumor risk in children. And they try to dismiss those, as well."
Another issue for parents to consider: Moskowitz says regular cell phone users in the study were described as those using a phone once a week for six months. He calls that frequency "barely even using a phone," and in the U.S., usage by children and teens is much higher. The study was conducted in Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway.
The researchers did note that because mobile phone usage among kids has increased over the years, a careful watch on the trend is needed. Retired electronics engineer Lloyd Morgan has been doing just that, and has himself written several reports on links between the radio frequency (RF) radiation exposure from cell phones and brain tumors.
He's analyzed the newest report which, he says, like the highly-criticized Interphone study a year ago, considers radiation exposures not reflective of typical use, and therefore downplays brain tumor risk.
"They contradict their own conclusion when you read the paper. It isn't what the abstract says it is."
On a related RF radiation health safety note, several public health watchdogs, as well as the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, sent a request to Congress this week asking that they direct the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to update obsolete cell-phone tower safety regulations. The groups cite a growing body of science showing RF biological effects, such as links to cancer, and other health issues, including memory ability.
The research is at bit.ly/rfrpt.
Details on the letter to Congress about cell towers are at ht.ly/5P4qA
