A new review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found no evidence linking mobile phone use to an increased risk of brain cancer. Published on Tuesday, the study reviewed data from 63 studies conducted between 1994 and 2022 and concluded that despite the widespread use of wireless technology, there has been no corresponding rise in brain cancer incidence.
The comprehensive review, involving 11 investigators from 10 countries, including Australia’s radiation protection authority, assessed the impact of radiofrequency radiation used in mobile phones, as well as in TV, baby monitors, and radar. Co-author Mark Elwood, a professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland, emphasized that none of the major questions studied showed increased cancer risks.
The analysis covered various types of cancers, including brain tumors in both adults and children, as well as cancers of the pituitary gland, salivary glands, and leukemias. It also examined risks associated with mobile phone use, base stations, transmitters, and occupational exposure. The review found no significant evidence to support a link between these factors and cancer risk.
This study adds to the existing body of research, which has generally found no conclusive evidence of adverse health effects from mobile phone radiation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies radiofrequency radiation as “possibly carcinogenic” (Class 2B), a category used when a potential link cannot be definitively ruled out.
The WHO and other health organizations have previously indicated the need for more research, given the ongoing advancements in wireless technology. The advisory group of the IARC has called for a re-evaluation of the classification, considering the new data that has emerged since the last assessment in 2011.
The review’s findings are expected to provide reassurance to the public and inform ongoing discussions about the safety of mobile phone use. As technology continues to evolve, continued research will be essential to ensure that health guidelines remain up-to-date and evidence-based.
The study highlights the importance of evidence-based conclusions in public health and the need for rigorous scientific analysis to address concerns about emerging technologies.