New research links mobile phones to cancer

by Carrie-Ann Skinner

February 19, 2008 —

According to new research that appeared in the American
Journal of Epidemiology, using a mobile phone for several hours a day increases
the risk of developing cancer in the salivary gland.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University compared the mobile phone usage of 500 Israelis
with the condition to 1,300 healthy adults. Those that used a mobile phone for
several hours a day were 50 percent more likely to have developed a salivary
gland tumor.

"Compared to other studies, the amount of exposure to radiofrequency radiation
we saw here was much higher. If you like, you're seeing what could happen elsewhere
'speeded-up' in Israel," said Dr Siegal Sadetzki who led the research.

The survey also identified that users in rural areas possibly face a higher
risk that those in cities, as mobile phones in areas without strong signals
need to emit more radiation to work properly. However, Dr Sadetzki stressed
one study was not enough to prove a link, and that further research was needed.

There have been numerous studies into mobile phones affect on our health, although
none have found conclusive evidence. Last year the UK Mobile Telecommunications
and Health Research Programme released its findings of a six-year £8.8
million (US$17 million) survey into the link between mobile phones and cancer,
and concluded there was no evidence that using a mobile for less than 10 years
was linked to brain cancer, and mobile phone signals did not alter brain function
or were not linked to cases of electrical hypersensitivity.

Ed Yong, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Mobile
phones are a relatively recent invention and new research into any possible
health risks is welcome. However, it's important to remember that the vast majority
of studies so far have found that mobile phones do not increase the risk of
any type of cancer. Even this study found no overall link between mobile phone
use and salivary gland cancers even among heavy users."

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