Mobile phone radiation ‘possibly carcinogenic’
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified mobile phone radiation as ‘possibly carcinogenic to human beings’ (classification 2B)
According to the recent communication by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (May 2011) there may be a higher risk of brain cancer when intensive use is made of mobile phones. The IARC therefore classified radio waves as ‘possibly carcinogenic to human beings'.
This conclusion was drawn after a joint analysis of available epidemiological studies and research on animals and cells. In most of the studies no indications were found of a higher brain cancer risk, but two studies (the international research Interphone and a Swedish meta-analysis) indicated a higher risk of glioma and, to a more uncertain degree, of acoustic neuroma, in case of intensive mobile phone use (total use duration higher than 1500-2000 hours). Research on animals also concluded that there are 'limited indications' for a possible correlation.
Good to know
The classification 2B, ‘possibly carcinogenic to human beings’, is attributed to environmental factors and substances that show ‘limited epidemiological indications' in relation to cancer. According to the IARC, coffee and car exhaust fumes also belong to that group. In the case of 'limited indications' it is still possible that the relationship that was detected is only seeming, the results being potentially influenced by a coincidence or by bias. The degree of certainty when something is classified as ‘potentially carcinogenic to human beings’ is lower than this is the case for the classifications 1 (‘carcinogenic’) and 2A (‘probably carcinogenic’). When even less indications exist, a substance is considered ‘not classifiable’ (3). Finally, there is the classification 4, ‘probably not carcinogenic’.
The IARC insists on the necessity of further research and recommends meanwhile to reduce the exposure to mobile phone radiation by using an earpiece or by sending messages. Also read further tips on the page “Sensible mobile phone use”.
What is it about?
It is about mobile phones and to a lesser extent about wireless home telephones. Most studies focus on the use of mobile phones, given their widespread dissemination, their use close to the head and their relatively high transmitting power (1-2 W) compared to other wireless devices like baby monitors, WIFI adapters or Bluetooth headsets.
Good to know
Third generation mobile phones (UMTS) have smaller transmitting powers (0,1 W) than the second generation (GSM, 1-2 W). The exposure to radio waves produced by a DECT-phone is 5 times smaller than from a mobile phone.
What is it not about?
It is not about other devices like WIFI, bluetooth of microwave ovens. These were not considered in the evaluation of the IARC. And it is not about transmission masts for mobile telephone communication. The IARC considers the research on the effects of these sources insufficient to draw conclusions.
Good to know
The exposure to radio waves from transmission masts is more than 10,000 times smaller than the exposure when using mobile phones.