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London - Using a cellphone might increase the risk of
developing certain types of brain tumors and consumers should consider ways of
reducing their exposure, World Health Organisation (WHO) cancer experts said on
Tuesday.
A working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries meeting
at the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said a review
of all the available scientific evidence suggested cellphone use should be
classified as "possibly carcinogenic."
The classification, which puts mobile phone use in the same broad IARC cancer risk category as lead, chloroform and coffee, could spur the United Nations health body to look again at its guidelines on mobile phones, the scientists said.
But more lengthy and detailed research is needed before a
more definitive answer on any link can be given.
The WHO had previously said there was no established
evidence for a link between cellphone use and cancer.
"After reviewing essentially all the evidence that is
relevant ... the working group classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
as possibly carcinogenic to humans," Jonathan Samet, chair of the IARC
group, said in a telebriefing.
He said some evidence suggested a link between an increased
risk for glioma, a type of brain cancer, and mobile phone use.
Cellphone use has risen hugely since the device was introduced in
the early 1980s, with 5 billion in use today. And since phones have become such
an key part of daily life - used by many for Web surfing as well as talking -
industry experts say a health threat will not stop people using them.
Instead, concerned consumers might opt to buy more
accessories such as headsets to reduce the risks, Avian Securities analyst
Matthew Thornton said.
"It's going to take some compelling argument to change
behaviour," he said.
The WHO's position has been keenly awaited by cellphone
companies and campaign groups which have raised concerns about whether cellphones might be harmful to health.
Industry groups immediately sought to play down the
decision, stressing the "possibly carcinogenic" category also
includes substances such as pickled vegetables and coffee.
"This IARC classification does not mean that cellphones cause cancer," said John Walls, vice-president of public affairs
for the United States-based wireless association CTIA.
He noted the IARC working group did not conduct any new
research, but reviewed published studies, and said other regulatory bodies such
as the US Food and Drug Administration have stated that "the weight of
scientific evidence has not linked cellphones with any health problems".
John Cooke, executive director of the British-based Mobile
Operators Association, said IARC had only found the possibility of a hazard.
"Whether or not this represents a risk requires further
scientific investigation," he said in a statement.
Previous studies inconclusive
The IARC remarks follow a study published last year that
looked at almost 13 000 cellphone users over 10 years and found no clear
answer on whether the mobile devices cause brain tumors.
Many previous studies have also failed to establish any
clear cancer link, but a US study in February found that using a cellphone
can change brain cell activity.
IARC director Christopher Wild said it was important to conduct
more research, particularly into long-term and heavy use of cellphones.
"Pending the availability of such information, it is
important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands-free
devices or texting," he said.
Malcolm Sperrin, director of medical physics and clinical
engineering at Britain's Royal Berkshire Hospital, said he thought the IARC
move was appropriate because it reflected the "anecdotal evidence that
cancers may be associated with phone usage". But he said: "It is
vitally important to fully understand that there is no definitive
correlation."
