Scientists and medical experts are considering the possible connection between cell phones and cancer, and experts believe new information released Tuesday has raised yet another red flag and the need for a lot more research.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an arm of the World Health Organization, said radiation from cell phones could possibly cause cancer.
Dr. Pat Breysse, of the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said the concern is that if a type of electromagnetic radiation found in cell phones causes an increased risk of brain cancer"
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"So we drink (coffee) even though we know about the risks. We smoke even though we know about the risks. We are exposed to many things that fall on this gray scale every day, and this is one of the many things that we need to know about, that we need to be concerned about," Breysse said.
So what that means is there is enough evidence to suggest it might be cancerous or that it might be carcinogenic to humans, but the evidence isn't strong enough to say that it certainly is," Breysse said. Breysse said the panel of experts didn't do its own research, but looked at dozens of studies to give cell phones a category 2B classification, the same classification given to coffee, gasoline, led and magnetic fields from power lines.
The review indicated that there's a need for more research and information. In the meantime, Breysse suggested several changes to minimize exposure, using a hands-free device and texting.
"Reduce time close to your head. All of these things will reduce the risk if that risk is there, and these are easy things to do and they're probably prudent for people to begin thinking about," Breysse said. "(There is) anticipation that there might be some more definitive science in the future that says this is real, but if the science in the future says it's not real, you really haven't hurt yourself by taking these steps."
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