On May 31, 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO/IARC) issued a report based on its review of available scientific evidence regarding the association of cell phone radiation and brain tumors. The review, while not conclusive, did find that epidemiologic studies conducted to date showed an "increased risk," of glioma and other types of malignant brain tumors, in association with cell phone use. In other words, WHO found that cell phone radiation is "possibly carcinogenic." This finding by WHO represents a more negative determination than its previous finding that no adverse health effects had been established for mobile phone users. As a result, cell phones were placed in the carcinogenic category 2B, similar to chemicals such as DDT and gasoline engine exhaust. Other organizations have suggested an association between cell phone use and cancers of the salivary glands, as well.
It must be noted that, generally speaking, almost universal use of cell phones, particularly by increasingly younger individuals, is a relatively new phenomenon. 20 years ago, cell phones were used by a very small percentage of the American population (mostly business and medical professionals) used cell phones. According to CTIA, an international nonprofit membership organization representing the wireless communications industry, in December 1995, there were 33.8 million wireless connections, representing a wireless penetration of 13% (number of units divided by the total U.S. and territorial population). By December 2010, there were 302.9 million wireless connections, a penetration of 96%. Thus, industry assurances that there are no demonstrated relationships between cell phone use and brain or other cancers must be taken with a grain of salt, particularly with regard to children, whose brains are still forming and who likely have a less then 5-10 year exposure to cell phone radiation at this point in time.
If you, or someone you know, has contracted a cancer which you feel may be relate to cell phone use, please contact us to discuss your legal rights.