A comprehensive review by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 63 studies conducted from 1994 to 2022 has concluded that there is no connection between mobile phone use and brain cancer. The research, which focused on the effects of radio waves emitted by devices like mobile phones, examined various types of cancer, including brain tumors in both adults and children.
As concerns about mobile phone use and its potential impact on brain health grow, this WHO-commissioned study offers valuable insights. With increased reliance on wireless gadgets, radio wave exposure has become a frequent subject of research, with some speculating about potential health risks. From mild cognitive effects to alarming claims on social media about “frying brains,” the possible impact of mobile phones on health has been heavily debated.
WHO Study Shows No Cancer Risk from Mobile Phones
The WHO review concluded that there is no evidence linking mobile phone use to an elevated risk of brain cancer. The findings were based on an analysis of studies from 10 countries, including data provided by the Australian government’s radiation protection authority.
According to Mark Elwood, co-author of the study and a professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland, none of the major questions regarding mobile phone use and cancer showed increased risks. The research analyzed the potential effects of radio waves on brain tumors, pituitary and salivary gland cancers, and leukemia. It also considered occupational exposure to radiofrequency radiation.
Radio Waves and Health Concerns
Radio waves, which are emitted by devices like mobile phones, televisions, and WiFi, are currently classified as “possibly carcinogenic” (Class 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This category is used when a potential link to cancer cannot be definitively ruled out. According to the American Cancer Society, while large amounts of radiofrequency (RF) radiation can cause tissue damage by producing heat, there is no strong evidence that RF radiation damages DNA like ionizing radiation does.
Sources of Radio Wave Exposure
Humans are exposed to radio waves from both natural and man-made sources. Natural sources include the sun, lightning, and the Earth itself, while human-made sources include TV signals, mobile phones, radar, WiFi, and Bluetooth devices. Even medical procedures like radiofrequency ablation used to destroy tumors, and welding expose people to radio waves.
