Brain Cancer And Cell Phones

A new and large-scale investigation shows that cell phones may be dangerous to health. For prolonged use, the devices increase the risk of brain cancer or tumor. The researchers, therefore, conclude that the radiation released during the use of the cell phones is unsafe and that standards need to be revised.

The debate about the cell phones and its impact on health has been going on for years. Many scientists did research, but the results were mixed. The one considered the phone and its radiation harmless. The other one saw it a bit more gloomy.

Research about brain cancer and cell phones

To get the facts clear once and for all, researchers gathered studies. In total, about eleven studies have been published about a possible relationship between the brain cancer and cell phones. The most extensive study was made possible by the telephony industry itself. A second comprehensive and independent study was conducted by a Swedish researcher specializing in cancer or tumor. He had collected more subjects and followed them for longer without the fact that the telephone world could influence the study. In addition, there were nine independent and smaller studies.



Evidence
The scientists took all these studies into their analysis and concluded that evidence that the cell phones actually affect the brain return to multiple studies. The various studies suggest that the risk of brain cancer or tumor increases as cell phones is used more often. Also, the power of the signal and the age of the user (the younger, the worse for the brain) was found to affect the chance of developing a brain cancer or tumor.

Brain half
"Long-term use of the cell phones can double the risk of developing a glioma or benign tumor in the brain half that is most exposed," the researchers conclude. This conclusion is in line with the studies analyzed and is also reflected in the investigation that the telecommunications industry sponsored. If the researchers are talking about the brain half that is most exposed then they mean that part of the brain that is closest to the phone.

Five Centimeters
It is unclear how the radiation causes cancer or tumor to develop. Studies have shown that the radiation of a phone can penetrate up to five centimeters deep into an adult's brain. It is likely that the radiation penetrates even more deeply into children.

Tips
Although more research is necessary, the scientists already have some tips for people who cannot without their cell phones. They should limit the number of calls and keep it as short as possible. Also, it is better not to keep the phone over, but to use a special headset. Children are doing the best to use the cell phones as little as possible.

"More than three billion people use cell phones and children use it most often," the researchers conclude. "It is time for governments to take precautions to protect their citizens."

*Image source : Mother Jones

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Scientias.nl
3. American Cancer Society