Mobile users of 10 years face cancer risk

PEOPLE who have been using mobile phones for more than 10 years face an increased risk of certain types of tumour, according to new medical research.

A review of 18 different international studies by a team of cancer specialists, led by oncologist Dr Lennart Hardell of the Orebro University in Sweden has concluded that there is “a consistent pattern of increased risk” for some brain tumours from using mobile handsets.

The review, which is published in the latest edition of medical journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine will further rekindle the continuing controversy about the safety of phone handsets.

In 2004, the World Health Organisation said there were sufficient gaps in scientific knowledge on the issue to justify a precautionary approach, despite the absence of any clear link between mobile phones and adverse health effects.

In the latest research, 18 different studies were reviewed covering the US, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, the UK, Germany and Japan on the association between longer use of mobile phones and brain tumours.

They concluded the risk was found to be highest in developing tumours on the same side of the head as where mobile phones are placed during calls.

Researchers suggest Nordic countries like Finland and Sweden could stand to experience further health problems as they were among the first to introduce the wireless technology used in phones.

The researchers claim certain non-cancerous tumours near the ear canal might signal an increased risk due to microwave exposure given its location to where people hold mobiles.

However, they also acknowledge that several of the studies reviewed showed no association between the use of mobile phones and an increased risk of tumours.

They suggest current guidelines for microwave exposure during phone calls may be inappropriate.

In Ireland, ComReg is still responsible for measuring non-ionising radiation from phone masts, despite a recommendation by an Oireachtas committee in 2005 that the function should be transferred to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

However, the latest survey by ComReg of phone masts earlier this year of 25 mast sites found that emission levels were significantly below internationally recommended levels.

* www.oem.bmj.com

* www.comreg.ie