Cell Phone Use Linked to Brain Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): Mead M. Nathaniel, Lennart Hardell, Michael Carlberg, Kjell Hansson Mild, Leeka Kheifets, Joseph Farren
Primary Institution: University Hospital in Örebro, Sweden
Hypothesis
Is there an increased risk of brain tumors associated with long-term cell phone use?
Conclusion
Long-term cell phone use is associated with an increased risk of gliomas and acoustic neuromas.
Supporting Evidence
- A meta-analysis found significant associations between long-term cell phone use and brain tumor risk.
- There was a doubling in the risk of gliomas for ipsilateral exposures after at least 10 years of use.
- A 2.4-fold increase in risk was seen for acoustic neuromas due to ipsilateral exposures.
- Children's brains absorb more RF radiation than adults, increasing their risk.
- The wireless industry claims that scientific evidence shows no health risk from cell phones.
Takeaway
Using cell phones a lot might make you more likely to get certain types of brain tumors, especially if you hold the phone on the same side of your head.
Methodology
The study is a meta-analysis reviewing epidemiologic evidence for brain tumor risk related to cell phone use.
Potential Biases
The findings were not due to observational or recall bias as no increased risk was found for other tumor types.
Limitations
Data on effects of exposures on brain tumors in children is lacking.
Participant Demographics
The study mentions that 46% of U.S. children aged 8–12 use cell phones.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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