European researchers — looking at more than 300,000 Danes who had used cell phones — concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that using a cell phone increased the chance of developing a brain tumor.
Cell phones are so widely used, and so convenient, no one wants to believe the microwave radiation emissions are harmful so studies like these, however controversial, are hailed by the media, the industry, and billions of consumers as good news.
Yet there is a substantial body of evidence of adverse biological effects and this Danish study - published in two parts - is not widely considered sound evidence for an “all clear.”
Many well-respected researchers were quick to criticize the study.
Epidemiologist and Nobel co-laureate Dr Devra Davis of the Environmental Health Trust in the US, points out the study is not new, but an extension of one published by the same Danish team two years ago.
It was widely criticised at the time and was not considered by the World Health Organization to be reliable when the WHO reviewed the evidence of mobile phone risks and classified phone radiation as a ‘possible carcinogen’ in May 2011. More details on that to follow.
Dr Davis, an expert in the environmental causes of illness, said in a statement this week:
“From the way it was set up originally, this deeply flawed study was designed to fail to find an increased risk of brain tumors tied with cell phone use. In order for any study of a relatively rare disease like brain tumors to find a change in risk, millions must be followed for decades.” Details at: www.environmentalhealthtrust.org
When there is so much evidence of harm from levels of exposure - well below government-approved limits - is it wise to wait?
Your thoughts? Questions?
Kerry Crofton
— Last Edited by Kerry Crofton, PhD at 2011-10-24 10:24:51 —
— Last Edited by Kerry Crofton, PhD at 2011-10-24 10:31:38 —
