Mobile phones and cancer claims – what does the World Health Organisation say?
There is sometimes media speculation and stories suggesting a possible link between mobile phones and cancer, and this naturally can raise public concern. The mobile phone industry relies on the expert advice from national and international health agencies on mobile phone safety.
A recent example is a segment aired on 60 Minutes on Sunday 5th April which can be viewed here.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health agencies conduct ongoing reviews into mobile phones, base stations and health looking at all of the available scientific research.
Specifically on mobile phones and health, the WHO says:
The most recent update was from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization says:
“With reference to radio frequency, available data do not show any excess risk of brain cancer and other neoplasms associated with the use of mobile phones” IARC World Cancer Report 2008.
The International safety guidelines for mobile phones are designed to protect people of all ages, including children, and incorporate large safety factors. However, recognising that some parents may be concerned about mobile phone usage by children, the WHO advises:
“Present scientific evidence does not indicate the need for any special precautions for the use of mobile phones. If individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children’s RF exposure by limiting the length of calls, or by using ‘hands-free’ devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body.”
The industry takes all aspects of mobile phone safety very seriously and supports ongoing research into this important area.
Further information is available from the World Health Organisation www.who.int, or EMF Explained www.emfexplained.info/?ID=25190 and the AMTA website www.amta.org.au/
With all of these international health organisations actively and continously testing and checking the available data you can rest easy that that extra long call to your mother shouldn’t do you any physical harm.
Tags: 60 minutes, international agency for research on cancer, international health agencies, media speculation, Mobile, mobile phone, mobile phone industry, mobile phone safety, mobile phone usage, neoplasms, Phone, review, rf exposure, SMS, world cancer report, world health organization
