Mobile phones ‘won’t give you cancer’ study claims

The latest study into the possible health risks of using mobile phones has concluded there is no convincing evidence that the devices pose any problems.

A report from an independent advisory group on non-ionising radiation within the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that “overall, the results of studies have not demonstrated that the use of mobile phones causes brain tumours or any other type of cancer”.

The group conducted scientific studies into the effects of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones as well as wireless devices, television and radio transmitters.

The HPA has said that the evidence should continue to be monitored, but found no conclusive links to cancer, brain disease or infertility in a major survey of all the scientific evidence available.

However, the report, from the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) independent advisory group on non-ionising radiation (AGNIR), warned that it was “important” to continue to monitor all the evidence as there was little information on the risks beyond 15 years from first exposure.

This monitoring should include monitoring national brain tumour trends which have so far given “no indication” of any risk, the report recommended. The HPA said it would continue to advise a “precautionary” approach and keep the science under close review. The agency recommends that “excessive” use of mobile phones by children should be discouraged while adults should make their own choices as to whether they wish to reduce their own exposure.

Professor Anthony Swerdlow, who chaired the review group, commented: “Even though it’s relatively reassuring, I also think it’s important that we keep an eye on the rates of brain tumours and other cancers.”

Mobile phones have significantly grown in popularity over the past few years, with Ofcom finding that 91 per cent of adults in the UK now either own or use one of these devices.