Mobile Phones, Radiation, and Cancer Risk: What the Latest WHO Research Means For You?

The perceived risk of cancer from electromagnetic radiation has been a key aspect of public consciousness about cancer for decades. From the often-repeated tale of the famous scientist Marie Curie, who died due to radiation poisoning from the same Radium which she had discovered, to the more fantastical depictions of mutated human and animals in no-brainer Hollywood movies, the link has been deeply ingrained in all of us. Dr. (Prof.) Ishwar Chandra Premsagar, Chief of Neuro & Spine, Oncology Services, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) shares how mobile phones and radiation are connected to cancer.

The explosion of mobile phones and wireless tech in the last two decades led to many questions being raised in this aspect. On one hand we had the all-pervasive mobile, Bluetooth and wi-fi signals that permeated concrete walls but were supposedly safe for humans. On the other hand, the handsets we owned all have prominently declared their SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) levels- a measure of the power absorbed by our tissues when exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields- which seem to suggest that higher levels may have adverse impact on our health. Which was it actually, people often wondered, safe or unsafe, and this led to many a myth and urban legend.

A recent WHO commissioned review has concluded that there is no evident link between mobile phone usage and cancer of brain, head or neck. Does this new study carried out by the Australian Radiation protection and Nuclear Safety Agency which examined more than 5000 studies on the subject, now mean that all is safe and all is well?

There are three important aspects for the average user to understand:

Firstly, there have been numerous studies in the past as well. The most important of these have been those which were considered by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) in 2011 after which they termed RF and EM fields as possibly carcinogenic. The latest WHO study brings that IARC warning in question and speculates that participant bias may have had a role to play in those findings.

Secondly, there is an immense deal of technical differences in the various types of radiation that is not fully understood by us. For example, the radiation from mobile phones is non-ionising, which means that it is simply not powerful enough to tamper at an atomic level (removing electrons). The SAR levels earlier discussed are also a measure of this non ioinising radiation, which despite being less threatening is still highly regulated. Ionising radiation, such as X Ray, are the real cancer-causing threat and these are not emitted by our mobile devices.

Thirdly, the WHO study itself focused on a narrow window about brain cancer (including the neck area). While that may have been ruled out for now, the other impacts of extended mobile usage, such as stress, reduced attention spans, socially isolationist tendencies and adverse effect on eyesight are real and present dangers that must not be forgotten.

Health Impacts

1. Brain TumorsResearch has not definitively linked mobile phone use to brain tumors. However, the potential risk remains a subject of ongoing study.
2. Cognitive EffectsProlonged use of mobile phones might affect cognitive functions, such as memory and learning. Concerns exist about how electromagnetic radiation could impact brain activity.
3. Behavioral IssuesExcessive mobile phone use can lead to behavioral problems, particularly in younger users. Withdrawal from phones can result in frustration or aggression.

What should you do?

Exercise caution when using mobile phones. It’s wise to limit extended exposure and opt for hands-free options until further research clarifies potential risks. Although, the latest research might suggest it’s safe, moderating device use to what is necessary and avoiding overuse can help prevent potential side effects and addiction.