After evaluation of scientists, the World Health Organization has placed the devices in the list of "possibly carcinogenic agents."
This is the third group established by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC):
Group 1 - includes agents that are proven carcinogens;
Group 2A - probably carcinogenic agents are;
Group 2B - possibly carcinogenic agents (group phones included).
That means there is likely a relationship, but more studies are needed. The problem lies in the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, which may increase the risk of having a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with cell phone use in the long term.
A few years have studied the possibility of harmful effects from exposure to these electromagnetic fields. Worldwide, an estimated 5 billion people there are users of the mobile device.
In May, a team of 31 scientists from 14 countries evaluated the potential carcinogen in question involving this type of radiation. They also evaluated the occupational exposure to microwave and environmental risks of transmission of radio signals, television and wireless telecommunications.
Results
The evidence was reviewed and generally assessed as being limited to cell phone users. The evidence related to occupational and environmental risks are not proven.
The researchers did not quantify the risk, however, a study on the use of cell phone a little earlier (2004), showed a 40% increased risk of glioma, a type of brain tumor, among users who used the phone on average 30 minutes per day after 10 years.
It is difficult to establish the relationship of cause and effect on radiation from mobile phone, since the characteristics of the health risk of exposure require years before it can consider the consequences.
Radiation from cell type is non-ionizing, unlike a machine that emits X-rays (ionizing), for example.
Conclusions
"Given the potential consequences to public health of this classification and its results," said IARC director Christopher Wild, "it is important that further research be conducted on the intensive use of cell phones in the long term."
A summary report that summarizes the main conclusions and assessments of carcinogenic risk from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields will be published in The Lancet Oncology, in issue 01 of July, and in a few days, will be available online.