Several medical studies have shown possible links between cell phone use and health problems, including cancer. Although there are no definitive links, a number of medical professionals are now calling for people, especially children, to limit their use of these devices.
Researchers will continue to review the present information as well as conduct additional studies to determine if there is any link between cell phone use and health problems. However, for anyone concerned with the risks, using a wireless headset and keeping the phone away from your body (either by using a holster or keeping it in a purse or briefcase) can help eliminate risks.
Warning Sent to Staff to Limit Cell Phone Use
In July 2008, Dr. Ronald Herberman, Center for Environmental Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center, warned 3,000 staff and faculty about cell phone use. Dr. Herberman’s memo included a recommendation that children should use cell phones only in emergencies and adults should use the speakerphone feature or wireless headsets. There is not enough information available on the effect of electromagnetic radiation on developing brains to determine if there is a cause for concern; however, Dr. Herberman believes that there is no reason to wait for science to provide an answer. Instead, limiting use is a more proactive approach.Possible Link Between Cell Phone Use and Salivary Gland Tumors
Another study, which appeared in the February 2008 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggested a link between heavy cell phone use and salivary gland cancer. This study was the first study to examine long-term use of cell phones. According to the study, people who used a cell phone held up to their face for several hours per day were 50% more likely to develop a tumor in the salivary gland.Behavioral Problems and Cell Phone Use
In May 2008, a study completed by UCLA and Danish researchers released data linking behavioral problems in children to cell phone use by mothers while pregnant. According to the study, when a mother used a cell phone during pregnancy, children had a higher risk of being hyperactive, having conduct problems and difficulties with emotions and social relationships. If these children used cell phones before the age of seven, the risk became higher. The researchers, however, could not explain why such a connection may exist and accept the results may not reflect cell phone use but may be caused by other reasons, such as the mothers that spent a great deal of time on their cell phone were not paying attention to their children.No Definitive Link Has Yet Been Shown
Despite the studies that suggest health problems as a result of cell phone use, there has not been any study showing a definitive link between cell phone use and cancer, or any other health problems. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in December 2006 indicated that there was no link between cell phone use and cancer. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the results of a long-term Swedish study that found a link between brain cancer and cell phone use and found the results to be inconsistent with earlier studies and difficult to interpret.Researchers will continue to review the present information as well as conduct additional studies to determine if there is any link between cell phone use and health problems. However, for anyone concerned with the risks, using a wireless headset and keeping the phone away from your body (either by using a holster or keeping it in a purse or briefcase) can help eliminate risks.