Ahead of Comprehensive Report, Leaks Suggest Health Risk

[Guest guest]

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/cell-phone-cancer-4706020\

4

 

By Dan Shapley

 

The world's most comprehensive study of the health effect of cell

phone use, two years overdue, has yet to be published. But some of the

studies that contribute to the report are raising old concerns about

the long-term safety of using wireless technology, according to the

Toronto Star.

 

The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on

Cancer expects to complete work on its 13-nation, 50-scientist

collaboration soon. The intent is to define what, if any, risk of

cancer comes from prolonged use of cell phones.

 

It " involves the pooled analysis of thousands of cases of tumours in

the head and neck area: gliomas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas and

parotid gland tumors, " the Star reports. Until now, authoritative

research had supported the overall safety of cell phones, but some say

the newly widespread use of cell phone technology, and the prolonged

use over years, could represent risks that weren't adequately tested

in earlier studies.

 

Here's a look at some of the results that have leaked. Be cautioned,

however, that the synthesis of various studies could throw doubt on

any of these conclusions:

 

* A 2007 study conducted in five Northern European countries found

a significantly increased risk of developing glioma after using a cell

phone for more than 10 years. Glioma is a cancer of central nervous

system cells, usually the brain.

* A 2008 analysis of 10 European studies published since 2000

found a pattern of association between long-term cell phone use and a

type of glioma and acoustic neuroma, a non-cancerous inner ear tumor.

* A 2008 study showed heavy cell phone users had a 50% increased

risk of developing a salivary gland tumor.

 

----------

navegante.