James Delahunty
1 Jun 2011 13:52
Review of previous studies and evidence prompts group to call for further research.
The group of 31 scientists working under the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said that a review of all the available scientific evidence and data from previous studies led it to a conclusion that use of mobile phones is "possibly carcinogenic."
Specifically, the group formally classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as Group 2B carcinogenic agents. The decision to do so came from a suggestion from previous research that mobile phone use increased the risk of a glioma, a particularly deadly form of brain cancer.
It is important to note that other agents listed under Group 2B include pickled vegetables and coffee, but also have unnerving agents such as lead, which shows the broad scope of "potential risk" that mobile phone use now fits in to.
Industry groups were quick to play-down the classification, pointing out that the IARC group did not do any new research in its findings. "This IARC classification does not mean that cell phones cause cancer," said John Walls, VP of public affairs, CTIA.
He also pointed out that other health organizations around the world had come to different conclusions, with the FDA in the United States finding that the weight of evidence suggests no link between mobile phone usage and brain tumors.