NEW YORK-No proven link yet exists for any human health effect resulting from wireless phone use, according to a review of available scientific data published late last month by Ian R. Smith, a health care researcher for Lehman Brothers Inc., London.
Smith’s analysis, titled “Mobile Phones, Microwaves and Brain Cancer,” preceded by several days the early April publication of a Bristol University study indicating mobile phone use may speed up a person’s reaction time, possibly through localized heating of brain tissue.
“It was contrary to expectations and seems a good result, but the rational conclusion is to ask what effects on the brain cause this,” Dr. Smith told RCR.
Following the Bristol University report, the British government ordered the National Radiological Protection Board to establish an ad hoc group of experts to determine what kinds of further research would be helpful.
Of most concern is whether microwave radiation from wireless phones helps cause brain cancer. Smith’s report said initial results of a study of brain cancer cases at participating Swedish hospitals over a period of several years are expected to be available later this year. A larger, related study will conclude in 2000.
In the United States, he noted, analysis began earlier this year of 800 brain tumor cases and their linkage, if any, to a range of suspected risk factors, including radio-frequency radiation exposure. Results of this review also are expected in 2000.
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer is planning to start an international study in early 2000,” Smith’s report said.
“This study is expected to run for around four years and will report possibly in 2005.”
To date, according to his review, Dr. Smith wrote that “results of some concern” have arisen from an American and a Polish study, both indicating higher brain cancer rates among military personnel working with radar equipment. Radar uses “pulsed AM radio frequencies, as in digital phones, although with higher power outputs.”
While these outcomes don’t prove risk, they “provide grounds to be cautious with respect to the link between mobile phone usage and brain cancer,” he said.
If wireless radiation ever were proven as a direct cause of brain cancer, “parties at financial risk would presumably include mobile phone manufacturers, service providers, possibly phone retailers and, for business users, employers,” Scott said.
Concerns also have been raised about whether wireless phones cause other, more transient health effects.
“Evidence for a link with headache, fatigue and some other symptoms is increasing, with further publications imminent. However, these symptoms are reversible and clearly less serious than brain cancer,” Scott said.
“The risk, if any, of brain cancer or other health effects from mobile phone usage can be minimized by the use of hands-free or ear piece kits or radiation protection cases. We expect to see the use of these devices increase if health concerns mount.”
Smith also noted, despite a “barrage of press stories” about potentially harmful effects of wireless phone usage, “growth continues to run at record levels in virtually every market, (so) users obviously remain unconvinced by these scare stories.”
