Expert warns of cancer risks cell phone use
posted in Cancer |The frequent use of cell phone presents a risk of cancer due to their electromagnetic radiation, said the director of the Cancer Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, Ronald Herberman.
Herberman issued a warning to the institute faculty and staff to limit mobile phone use.
“Really the main reason for my concern is that we should not wait until there is a definitive study on this issue but now it’s better to be wrong by cautious than sorry later,” Herberman said.
The expert indicated that his recommendation is based on “advice from an international panel of experts” which includes scientists from France, Italy and Holland.
“Electromagnetic fields generated by cell phones should be considered a potential hazard to human health,” the message.
“There has been enough time for us to have conclusive data on biological effects of cell phones and other mobile wireless technology that is now global use,” he added.
Herberman added that “no human studies suggest that cell phones are safe, nor indicate that they are dangerous. But a growing body of evidence indicates that we should reduce exposure while continuing to investigate this matter.”
The expert from the University in Pennsylvania said that cell phone manufacturers and wireless state that these devices emit electromagnetic radiation.
“It is likely that electromagnetic fields penetrate deeper into the brains of children than adults,” Herberman wrote.
However, in the absence of conclusive evidence that electromagnetic fields from cell phones cause cancer “should not talk about the need for preventive measures, as in the case of asbestos or snuff,” he added.
Pending more definitive information Herberman cited several measures that he believes desirable, and which include not allowing mobile phone use by children “except in emergencies.”
Herberman said that “developing organs of a fetus or child are probably the most sensitive to possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
“When communicating using your cell phone so try to keep away from the body as possible,” he added. “The electromagnetic field amplitude is reduced by 75 percent at a distance of two inches and fifty times lower at 90 centimeters”