Radiation as a possible carcinogen
Despite the consensus, published research studies occasionally suggest the possibility of harm.
In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radio wave exposure as a possible carcinogen to humans. The meaning of this classification was largely misunderstood and led to some increase in concern.
IARC is part of the World Health Organization. Its classification of radio waves as a possible carcinogen was largely based on limited evidence from human observational studies. Also known as epidemiological studies, they observe the rate of disease and how it may be caused in human populations.
Observational studies are the best tool researchers have to investigate long-term health effects in humans, but the results can often be biased.
The IARC classification relied on previous observational studies where people with brain cancer reported they used a mobile phone more than they actually did. One example of this is known as the INTERPHONE study.
This new systematic review of human observational studies is based on a much larger data set than what the IARC had examined in 2011.
It includes more recent and more comprehensive studies. This means we can now be more confident that exposure to radio waves from mobile phones or wireless technologies is not associated with an increased risk of brain cancer.
Mobile phones were traditionally held against the head, but these days people also use earphones or have video calls.
