[courtesy CNET News]
Until today, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had said that there were no adverse health effects from the use of cell phones. The wireless industry, including the CTIA lobbying group, and the Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration have also long maintained that cell phones were safe.
In a report issued today, the IARC said it now lists mobile phone use in the same category as lead, gasoline engine exhaust, and chloroform. Officially, cell phone radiation is listed as a “carcinogenic hazard.” Download the IARC report here.
CNET has published a series of three articles which cover the issues very well. Here are the links:
- Cell phone radiation: Harmless or health risk?
- The trouble with the cell phone radiation standard
- Cell phone radiation: A self-defense guide (FAQ)
In September, 2009, the connection had already been established between brain tumors and cell phone usage. At that time I wrote an article titled “Brain Tumors Solidly Linked to Cell Phone Usage“. The evidence has not changed. The danger is still there. What has changed is that this evidence has become more apparent. I would ask you to liken cell phone safety with driving safety; you fasten your seatbelt to reduce your chances of injury, and there are things you can do to reduce the health hazards from using a cell phone — these are listed in my article.