Do wireless phones cause cancer?

Wireless phones (including cell phones) use radiofrequency energy, also known as radio waves. (Pagers, radio and TV broadcasts, microwaves, radar and home cordless phones also require radio waves.)

Generally, it is not believed that wireless phones are harmful, but the research is conflicting.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, a few studies exposing laboratory animals to radio frequency energy suggested that it accelerates the development of cancer. But in these studies some animals were exposed for up to 22 hours a day, and other animals were predisposed to cancer through genetic alteration. These conditions are not typical of humans and their use of wireless phones, so little can be assumed from the studies about human health risk.

Three large epidemiological studies published in the last two years investigated a possible association between wireless phone usage and primary brain cancer, glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma, tumors of the brain or salivary gland, leukemia, or other cancers. None of the studies demonstrated the existence of any harmful effects. However, they only looked at usage over a three-year period.

To ensure consumer safety, the Federal Communications Commission adopted human exposure limits for wireless phones in 1996. The "specific absorption rate" (SAR) refers to the relative amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed in the head of a wireless telephone-user. Wireless phone manufacturers must comply with a safety limit of 1.6 watts per kilogram. Consumers can find out the specific absorption rate for their phone on the FCC web site if they have the product identification number.

If you are concerned about the health hazards associated with using your wireless phone, the best thing to do is limit your use. A headset also can be used to increase the distance between your body and the phone.

Resources:

The FDA Web site, Cell Phone Facts, provides all kinds of information about radiofrequency and cell phones, including how to search for your phone's SAR on the FCC web page.

The Wireless Information Resource Center has a list of important publications regarding radiofrequencies and health.