What does the evidence show about mobile phones and cancer?
In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified mobile phones for the first time in their 'gold-standard' rating system. They said the devices could 'possibly' cause cancer in humans (group 2B), but there wasn't enough evidence to come to a clear conclusion.
The American Cancer Society states that there could be some cancer risk associated with radiofrequency and individuals who are concerned about radiofrequency energy exposure can limit their exposure, including using an ear piece and limiting cell phone use.
The FDA has suggested some steps that concerned cell phone users can take to reduce their exposure to radiofrequency energy:
- Reserve the use of cell phones for shorter conversations or for times when a landline phone is not available.
- Use a device with hands-free technology, such as wired or wireless headsets, which places more distance between the phone and the head of the user.
Hands-free kits reduce the amount of radiofrequency energy exposure to the head because the antenna, which is the source of energy, is not placed against the head. Exposures decline dramatically when cell phones are used hands-free.
Explosion in Brain Tumors and the truth about wireless: Australian surgeons say “prolonged use of mobile phones could double the risk of malignant brain tumors.”
Fixed VoIP phones is an ideal green solution!