Does cell-phone use cause cancer?

Dr. Douglas Street, Contributor

There is no doubt that the convenience of cell-phone use has transformed the way we do business, and even how we conduct our personal lives. Many of us wonder if we could ever live without them. We are still concerned, though, that cell-phone use may be a clash, once again, of convenience and safety. So, are cell phones causing us harm?

Recent data show that in Jamaica cell-phone subscription has surpassed three million. But believe it or not, the country ranks only 79th in the world for per capita subscribership. Several countries like St Kitts and Nevis, with a per capita subscribership of 210 per cent (number three in the world), outrank us.

The concerns about cell phones stem from the fact that they utilise radiation in their transmission systems. This is non-ionising radiation (microwaves), though, and is present in very small amounts.

Cell phone problems

One study showed that cell-phone use may slow down a person's reaction time, especially if used by right-handers on the left side of the head and vice versa. Some also report sleep disturbance, memory problems, fatigue, headache and concentration problems. We do know for sure that cell-phone use while driving increases risk of accidents.

By far, though, the greatest concern about cell-phone usage is whether it causes cancer, especially of the brain. The conclusion of one large international study indicated that high levels of cell-phone usage can increase the risk of brain tumours. However, further analysis showed that there were faults in the way that the study was done, so the final consensus was that it is still inconclusive.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a specialised agency of the World Health Organization, provided a rating in 2011 which suggests that cell phones could possibly cause cancer, even though no conclusive evidence to support this has been found. Most other well-recognised bodies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration, have passed them as safe.

Concerns have also been expressed by persons living close to cell towers, and who work with telecommunications equipment. To date, nothing has been found to suggest that there is any health hazard in either case.

Despite the lack of evidence, some safety recommendations have been made, such as: (1) use of headsets, (2) restriction of usage by children, (3) using phones where signal is best and (4) using text messaging when possible.