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September 4, 2024 – In a comprehensive review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), no link has been found between mobile phone use and an increased risk of brain cancer. The findings, released on Tuesday, provide reassurance amidst widespread concerns about the potential health risks associated with the growing use of wireless technology.
The review analyzed data from 63 studies conducted between 1994 and 2022, offering one of the most extensive assessments to date on the potential health effects of mobile phone radiation. The research team, comprising 11 investigators from 10 countries—including representatives from Australia’s radiation protection authority—concluded that there was no consistent evidence to suggest that mobile phone use is associated with a heightened risk of brain cancer.
Professor Mark Elwood from the University of Auckland, a key contributor to the review, emphasized that none of the major questions investigated revealed an increased risk. “Our findings indicate that despite the dramatic rise in mobile phone use over the past few decades, the incidence of brain cancers has not followed suit,” said Elwood.
The scope of the review extended beyond brain cancer, examining other types of cancers potentially linked to radiofrequency exposures from mobile phones. Consistent with prior international assessments, the review found no conclusive evidence of adverse health effects. However, the WHO’s advisory group has recommended that ongoing research continue to monitor any potential long-term effects.
In light of the updated evidence, the advisory group has also called for a re-evaluation of the 2011 classification of mobile phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO body. This classification has been a subject of debate and concern for years, prompting numerous studies to further investigate the issue.
The findings of this latest review are expected to alleviate some of the public’s anxiety regarding mobile phone use. However, the WHO emphasizes the importance of continued research in this area, particularly as technology and usage patterns continue to evolve.
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on mobile devices, the WHO’s review underscores the need for ongoing vigilance while providing a reassuring message based on the current body of scientific evidence.
