Mobile phone use can cause brain cancer

Mobile phone users could be increasing their chances of developing brain cancer, experts have warned.

Scientists for the International Agency for Research on Cancer said radiofrequency electromagnetic fields associated with mobile handsets potentially increase the risk of glioma, a malignant type of the disease.

Following a week-long IARC working group meeting in Lyon, France, 31 scientists from 14 countries classified the fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B).

The agency, which is part of the World Health Organisation, said there are around five billion mobile phone subscriptions around the world, and the number is growing, particularly among young adults and children.

Its classification of the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to Group 2B puts them below the higher risk levels of Group 1 (“carcinogenic to humans”) and Group 2A (“probably carcinogenic to humans”).

Jonathan Samet, chairman of the working group, said: “The evidence, while still accumulating, is strong enough to support a conclusion and the 2B classification.”

The scientist, from the University of Southern California, added: “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.”

IARC director Christopher Wild said: “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.

“Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure, such as hands-free devices or texting.”

The international working group reached its conclusion after discussing and evaluating available literature on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and exposure to wireless telephones.

It did not quantify the risk but referred to a previous study (up to 2004), which showed a 40 per cent increased risk for gliomas for those who used their phones for an average of 30 minutes a day over a 10-year period.

The IARC’s mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer control.

Other substances that have been classified as “possible carcinogenic” include DDT and lead.

The Health Protection Agency said radio waves are common in today’s environment, and are used in radio and television broadcasts, wireless computer networks, pagers, radar, and cordless and mobile phones.

A spokesman said: “Other agents classified by IARC in Group 2B ‘possibly carcinogenic’ are magnetic fields from electricity, coffee, petrol exhaust fumes and being a print worker.

“The HPA notes the conclusion that there could be some risk and that a close watch should be kept for a link between mobile phones and cancer risk.

“HPA supports the call for additional research into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones.”

The agency added that there is no clear scientific evidence of a cancer risk from exposure to radiofrequencies at levels below international guidelines but the possibility remains.

It urged users to take precaution in the use of mobile phones in case there are long term effects which are presently unknown, and particularly discouraged excessive use by children.