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A World Health Organization review has found no link between mobile phone use and an increased risk of brain cancer
A recent review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that there is no evidence connecting mobile phone use with an increased risk of brain cancer.
This extensive study, which examined research from across the globe, offers reassurance in the context of the widespread use of mobile phones and wireless technology.
The review found no link between the significant rise in mobile phone usage over the past few decades and any increase in brain cancer rates. This conclusion holds true even for individuals who use mobile phones extensively, including those who have been using them for over ten years.
Despite concerns that have arisen due to the proliferation of mobile phones, the study’s findings suggest that the technology does not contribute to a higher incidence of brain cancer.
According to Reuters, the results of this study provide a reassuring perspective for those worried about the potential health risks associated with prolonged mobile phone use.
Published on Tuesday, the review analyzed 63 studies conducted from 1994 to 2022. This research was conducted by a team of 11 investigators representing 10 different countries.
Among the contributors were experts from the Australian government’s radiation protection authority, who played a key role in the analysis.
The review concentrated on the impact of radiofrequency radiation, which is emitted by mobile phones and other devices such as televisions, baby monitors, and radar equipment.
Professor Mark Elwood a co-author of the study and a cancer epidemiology specialist at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, stated The study found no evidence of increased risks for any of the major concerns addressed.
This suggests that the study found no evidence of heightened risk associated with radiofrequency radiation exposure from these common devices.
The findings aim to provide clarity and reassurance regarding the safety of everyday technology that utilizes radiofrequency radiation.
The analysis evaluated a range of cancers including brain cancer in adults and children as well as cancers of the pituitary gland, salivary glands, and leukemia.
It examined the risks linked to mobile phone use base stations, transmitters, and occupational exposure to radiofrequency radiation.
The review focused on these specific cancer types with plans to address other types of cancer in a separate report.
This review is consistent with earlier studies that also found no clear connection between mobile phone use and cancer.
The WHO and other international health organizations have previously indicated that there is no conclusive evidence linking mobile phone radiation to harmful health effects. Nonetheless they have emphasized the need for continued research to keep track of any potential risks.
At present the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies mobile phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic,” or Class 2B.
This designation is applied when there is insufficient evidence to entirely dismiss a potential link to cancer. Considering the new data available since the last assessment in 2011, the agency’s advisory group has suggested that this classification be re-evaluated promptly.
This recommendation reflects the need to review and potentially update the current understanding based on the latest research findings.
The WHO is set to publish its updated evaluation in the first quarter of next year.
This report aims to offer more clarity on any potential health risks associated with mobile phone use.
Radio waves are carcinogenic
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies radio waves as “possibly carcinogenic” or Class 2B. This classification is used when there isn’t enough evidence to completely rule out a potential link to cancer.
The American Cancer Society notes that if radiofrequency (RF) radiation is absorbed by the body in significant amounts, it can generate heat, potentially causing burns and damage to body tissues.
While RF radiation is not believed to cause cancer by directly damaging DNA in cells, as ionizing radiation does, there are concerns that, under certain conditions, some types of non-ionizing radiation might have other effects on cells.
These effects could potentially contribute to cancer development, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
Radio wave exposure
Humans are exposed to radio waves from both natural and man-made sources. Natural sources include the sun, lightning strikes, and the Earth, which emits a small amount of radiofrequency radiation.
In addition, human-made sources contribute to our exposure, such as television signals, mobile phones, radar, WiFi, Bluetooth devices, and radiofrequency ablation used for tumor destruction.
Other sources include welding and certain types of full-body scanners.This classification is used when there isn’t enough evidence to completely rule out a potential link to cancer.
What is World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a UN agency specializing in global public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland the WHO operates through six regional offices and 150 field offices around the globe.
Established on April 7, 1948, and commencing its work on September 1, 1948, the WHO absorbed the assets, staff and responsibilities of the League of Nations’ Health Organization and the Office International d’Hygiène Publique in Paris, including the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
The organization’s activities expanded significantly in 1951 with increased financial and technical resources.
The WHO’s primary mission is to enhance global health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations. It offers technical support to countries, establishes international health standards, gathers global health data, and facilitates scientific and policy discussions on health issues.
The WHO also publishes the World Health Report, which provides comprehensive assessments of global health topics.
The WHO has been instrumental in major public health successes, including the eradication of smallpox, the near-eradication of polio, and the development of an Ebola vaccine.
Its current priorities are communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis; non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer; and issues related to diet, nutrition, food security, occupational health, and substance abuse.
The agency also champions universal health care coverage, monitors public health risks, coordinates emergency responses, and promotes overall health and well-being.