Study Renews Cellphone Fears

Cellphones have fallen under scrutiny yet again as new study results suggest that radio waves from our favourite technological toy could promote tumour growth. Previous research has suggested that leukemia occurs more commonly among cellphone users. A team of Italian researchers, led by cell biologist Fiorenzo Marinelli, decided to test this connection. They found that leukemia cells exposed to 900-megahertz radio waves a power comparable to that of many cellphones-died after about 24 hours of continuous exposure. Then a cellular survival mechanism kicked in, causing the rest of the leukemia cells to replicate quickly at an alarming rate. In other words, after a brief setback, the cancer grew even more aggressively than before.

Experts point out that evidence remains inconclusive. However, this study, presented last fall at the International Workshop on Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on the Greek island of Rhodes, is part of a growing body of research suggesting that cellphone radiation does indeed have an effect on cells and DNA mechanics.

At present, Canada does not have any recommendations on cellphone use. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, has suggested limiting their use, in particular for ages under 16, since children are considered more vulnerable to possible biological effects.

Source: Health Action Network Society (HANS)