The Doctor Game: How safe are cellphones? Science is mixed: We know that high frequency ionizing radiation from excessive X-ray exposure can possibly cause malignancy. This radiation is cumulative, and like an elephant, it never forgets the amount of radiation received. But cellphones emit very low-intensity non-ionizing radiofrequency energy that’s generally assumed to be safe.
Researchers at the University of California analyzed several studies from around the world. They believed the debate would be settled by the “Interphone Study.” This research involved 13 countries and the World Health Organization at a cost of $25 million. But the results were considered inconclusive, or as they reported, “downright muddled.”
It did show that the use of cellphones 30 minutes a day resulted in a higher risk of a brain malignancy known as a glioma. This cancer occurs on the side of the head where the cellphone is used. The report reminded me of a case I previously wrote about, of a woman who developed breast cancer after relying on her bra to hold the phone.
Critics pointed out several flaws in the study, which was published in 2010. They said the data was too old, as the study dated back to the 1990s. Moreover, older cellphones emitted different amounts of energy and radio frequencies. People also used cellphones less at that time than today. And no children were involved in the study.
Researchers at the University of California analyzed several studies from around the world. They believed the debate would be settled by the “Interphone Study.” This research involved 13 countries and the World Health Organization at a cost of $25 million. But the results were considered inconclusive, or as they reported, “downright muddled.”
It did show that the use of cellphones 30 minutes a day resulted in a higher risk of a brain malignancy known as a glioma. This cancer occurs on the side of the head where the cellphone is used. The report reminded me of a case I previously wrote about, of a woman who developed breast cancer after relying on her bra to hold the phone.
Critics pointed out several flaws in the study, which was published in 2010. They said the data was too old, as the study dated back to the 1990s. Moreover, older cellphones emitted different amounts of energy and radio frequencies. People also used cellphones less at that time than today. And no children were involved in the study.