BBC Focus Magazine

[Shadowwolf]

It's back again, this time based on a meta-analysis - which is a useful tool - of all the existing research and not necessarily anything new. However, I find the pronouncements of the WHO a little odd given that they are swiftly followed by possibles and coulds, but not any definitive link. The opinion of the IARC that as cell phones could have health implications thus we need to maintain a close watch appears to be stating what we are already doing.

The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.

Over the last few years, there has been mounting concern about the possibility of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by wireless communication devices. The number of mobile phone subscriptions is estimated at 5 billion globally.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531133115.htm

[Hyrulian Outlaw]

They have re-classified it,

"Radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer, according to the World Health Organization. The agency now lists mobile phone use in the same "carcinogenic hazard" category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform."

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/3 ... index.html

Looks like its still shaky at best and it needs long term study, as soon as they get it America will go lawsuit crazy and thats the end of the mobile phone industry

[Shadowwolf]

The agency now lists mobile phone use in the same "carcinogenic hazard" category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform."

That's actually what they mean by Group 2B carcinogen, however, they leave out others from that group like coffee, talc powder or working in carpentry.

[Healerman]

I'd look at the re-classification as a back covering exercise.

"Well, we did warn you...sort of."

[M Paul Lloyd]

Do they mention at what level this radiation might cause cancer and how that compares with what your average cell phone puts out?

[Shadowwolf]

Apparently it's just a press release so it's light on details, the report is due to be published in the next few days. However it is not as a result of new work, just analysis of older work and given the amount of possiblies and coulds I suspect that they will not have any figures on dose or exposure as they don't know any.

The idea of it being a just in case excuse is possible but neither organisation would likely suffer from any suits, they would all be directed at phone manufacturers and service providers.

[jeff1909]

Apparently it's just a press release so it's light on details, the report is due to be published in the next few days. However it is not as a result of new work, just analysis of older work and given the amount of possiblies and coulds I suspect that they will not have any figures on dose or exposure as they don't know any. Voip Phones

The idea of it being a just in case excuse is possible but neither organisation would likely suffer from any suits, they would all be directed at phone manufacturers and service providers.

Did this report ever come out? Anyone mind linking me to it?

Thanks in advance,

-Jeff

[M Paul Lloyd]

I think that would be this from June 2011

Mobile Phones, Brain Tumors, and the Interphone Study: Where Are We Now?

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetc ... hp.1103693

But I also found this from April 2012

The Swerdlow reports: downplaying the mobile phone cancer risk

http://www.emfacts.com/2012/04/the-swer ... ncer-risk/

However it would seem that almost everyone has an opinion on this subject and here are a couple of examples.
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/337837/2 ... phones.htm
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/ ... -it-claim/

[King Random]

Even if it isn't that bad, it's better to be sfae than sorry....

[M Paul Lloyd]

Well ok then, let's have a look at all the electromagnetic radiation that is causing a minority so much totally unfounded concern.

First of all we throw a way all of our mobile phones and sat nav's and tablets then dismantle all of the air-traffic control radar (sorry but that means no more cheap flights anywhere) and the core of the current weather forecasting system and satellite TV including all the global microwave communications plus all the overhead high tension electrical cables (far less electrical power) and we will be safe.

Can't see it catching on myself.