LYON, FRANCE – Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by wireless phones, offers an increased risk for a malignant type of brain cancer known as glioma, said the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) on Tuesday.
IARC, which is part of the World Health Organization, assembled a working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries over the past week in Lyon to review and evaluate existing studies and data on the link between cancer and exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from the use of wireless telephones, the transmission of signals for radio, television and wireless telecommunication, and radar and microwaves.
While stopping short of drawing a definitive link between cell phone use and cancer, Dr. Jonathan Samet from the University of Southern California and chairman of the working group, said that that the evidence is strong enough to support the classification of ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’. “The conclusion means that there could be some risk, and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk", he said in a statement.
"Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings, it is important that additional research be conducted into the long?term, heavy use of mobile phones”, added IARC director Christopher Wild. “Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands?free devices or texting."
A report detailing the group’s findings is scheduled to be published in the July issue of The Lancet Oncology and as Volume 102 of the IARC Monographs.
