In a comprehensive review published on September 3, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has found no substantial evidence linking mobile phone use to an increased risk of brain cancer. The review, which analyzed data from 63 studies conducted between 1994 and 2022, was conducted by a team of 11 researchers from 10 countries, including the Australian government’s radiation protection authority.
Despite the proliferation of wireless technology, the review reveals that there has not been a corresponding rise in brain cancer rates. This conclusion holds true even for individuals who frequently engage in long phone calls or have used mobile phones for over a decade. Co-author Mark Elwood, a professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, emphasized that the review found “none of the major questions studied showed increased risks,” as quoted by Reuters.
The research examined a range of cancers, including brain cancer in both adults and children, as well as cancers of the pituitary gland, salivary glands, and leukaemia, in relation to mobile phone use and exposure to radiofrequency from sources such as TV baby monitors and radar. The findings are consistent with previous reports from the WHO and other international health organizations, which have also found no definitive evidence of harmful health effects from mobile phone radiation.
However, the review has sparked a call for re-evaluation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC) classification of mobile phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic” (Class 2B). This classification is used when a potential link cannot be ruled out but does not establish definitive evidence of harm. The IARC advisory group has recommended reassessing this classification in light of the new data.
The WHO’s more detailed evaluation of this issue is anticipated to be released in the first quarter of next year, promising to provide further clarity on the subject.
As technology continues to evolve and become increasingly integrated into daily life, ongoing research remains essential to ensure public health and safety.
Disclaimer: The findings presented are based on the latest available data and analysis. The WHO’s detailed evaluation scheduled for next year will offer additional insights into the potential health impacts of mobile phone radiation.
