Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute issued an unprecedented warning to his faculty and staff Wednesday: Limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer.
The issue that concerns some scientists is electromagnetic radiation, especially its possible effects on children. However, it is not a major topic in conferences of brain specialists.
Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy, a type of radiation that is a form of electromagnetic radiation, according to the National Cancer Institute. Though studies are being done to see if there is a link between it and tumors of the brain and central nervous system, however there is no definitive link between the two.
A 2008 University of Utah analysis looked at nine studies — including some Herberman cites — with thousands of brain tumor patients and concludes there's no overall increased risk of brain tumors among cellular phone users. Studies last year in France and Norway concluded the same thing.
Dr. Ronald's warning is contrary to numerous studies that don't find a link between cancer and cell phone use and a public lack of worry the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He says children should use cell phones only for emergencies because their brains are still developing while adults should keep the phone away from the head and use the speakerphone or a wireless headset. So far this might the best step we can take as a cell phone users.
The issue that concerns some scientists is electromagnetic radiation, especially its possible effects on children. However, it is not a major topic in conferences of brain specialists.
Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy, a type of radiation that is a form of electromagnetic radiation, according to the National Cancer Institute. Though studies are being done to see if there is a link between it and tumors of the brain and central nervous system, however there is no definitive link between the two.
A 2008 University of Utah analysis looked at nine studies — including some Herberman cites — with thousands of brain tumor patients and concludes there's no overall increased risk of brain tumors among cellular phone users. Studies last year in France and Norway concluded the same thing.
Dr. Ronald's warning is contrary to numerous studies that don't find a link between cancer and cell phone use and a public lack of worry the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He says children should use cell phones only for emergencies because their brains are still developing while adults should keep the phone away from the head and use the speakerphone or a wireless headset. So far this might the best step we can take as a cell phone users.
