Scientific evidence goes increasingly against the theory that mobile phones cause cancer, an independent panel has concluded.
Their review found “no convincing evidence of a link” between the technology and brain tumours.
But the panel, from a leading cancer research centre, admitted the possibility that small- or long-term repercussions could not be ruled out.
Their conclusions follow a wide-ranging study – the largest of its kind to date – which claimed that radiation associated with mobile handsets potentially increases the risk of glioma, a malignant form of the disease.
While the panel accepted the Interphone study findings were “comprehensive”, they identified some problems with the study’s design which made it difficult to draw definite conclusions.
The results, in conjunction with those revealed by a series of similar studies, showed no increases in brain tumours up to 20 years after the introduction of mobile phones, and a decade after their use became widespread.
Extensive research also failed to establish any biological explanation for how handsets could possibly cause cancer in humans while animals exposed to radiation appeared unaffected, they said.
However, the group, led by Anthony Swerdlow, professor from the Institute of Cancer Research, said uncertainty was bound to remain for years because research could not prove the complete absence of harmful side-effects.
“The results of Interphone and other epidemiological, biological and animal studies, and brain tumour incidence trends, suggest that within 10 to 15 years after first use of mobile phones, there is unlikely to be a material increase in the risk of brain tumours in adults,” Prof. Swerdlow said.
“However, the possibility of a small or a longer term effect cannot be ruled out.”
Examination of cancer rates during the next few years is expected to clarify the situation.
“If there are no apparent effects on trends in the next few years, after almost universal exposure to mobile phones in Western countries, it will become increasingly implausible that there is a material causal effect,” he added.
“Conversely, if there are unexplained rising trends, there will be a case to answer.”
Prof. Swerdlow worked alongside a team from the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection Standing Committee on Epidemiology, tasked with writing the World Health Organisation-recognised guidelines for exposure limits.
Their paper, published in the research journal Environmental Health Perspectives, was welcomed by experts.
David Spiegelhalter, of the public understanding of risk at the University of Cambridge, said: “This report is clear that any risk appears to be so small that it is very hard to detect – even in the masses of people now using mobile phones.”
David Coggon, professor of occupational and environmental medicine at the University of Southampton, said the review was “carefully considered” and its conclusions “justified”.
“Continued research is needed in case there are harmful effects in the longer term,” he added, “but the news so far is good.”