Cellphone usage linked to brain tumors

A report by the World Health Organization shows that long-time cellphone users are at serious risk of brain tumors. The entire report will be published and released by the end of the year.

A $30 million decade-long study by the World Health Organization will suggest that heavy mobile phone usage will result in a brain tumors. The preliminary results have linked cell phone usage to three different types of brain tumors, as the Daily Express reports. The study of 12,800 people in 13 different countries will be released by the end of the year. The findings of the study will put international pressure on many governments to issue strong warnings to mobile phone users. But WHO will immediately release public health messages to the general public. Last month, Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Arlen Specter held senate hearings to examine health implications of talking on a cell phone. However, several cell phone companies and organizations have claimed that using a handheld device is safe and would not lead to cancer. A Mobile Operators Association representative stated, reports the United Press International, that 30 other scientific surveys have done and concluded that there is no evidence of health effects from cell phone usage. However, NBC News 10 suggests that these studies are inconclusive because cell phones have been around for only a short period of time. Head of the study, Doctor Elisabeth Cardis, said, according to The New York Post, “In the absence of definitive results and in the light of a number of studies which, though limited, suggest a possible effect of radiofrequency radiation, precautions are important.” She further iterated that children should be restricted, not banned, from cell phone use. Authorities believe adults should moderate their handset devices and use items such as wireless ear devices, headsets and other hands-free systems.