Studies Suggest Cell Phones Could Be Linked To Cancer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After reviewing details from dozens of studies, an international panel of experts say cell phones might and they emphasize might cause cancer.
It can come as disturbing news to those people who use cell phones hours at a time.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) contends cell phones are possibly carcinogenic in humans.
"The jury is not clear. It's not an established carcinogen, and for those who want to take steps to reduce their exposure there is potential ways to do it," IARC Chair Jonathan Samet said.
The world health organization could now issue possible guidelines for cell phone usage...
It's recommended people use hands free devices if they're concerned.
"I generally keep an earpiece in rather than have the phone on my person or next to my body," Kathy Voss of Center City Philadelphia said.
As far as the risks cell phones may present... they are now classified on the same list as engine exhaust, certain food dyes and DDT for having possible cancer causing agents.
"It wasn't sufficient to classify the radiation, the electric radiation fields from mobile phone at a higher level. So for example tobacco is long known a human carcinogen," Samet said.
Still, for some, any risks science might mulling over today, is not a cause for alarm.
"At what point are we going to be able to do anything? Microwaves right! Don't stand too close to the microwave," cell phone user Taurus McClain said.
The group that conducted the survey recommends that children under 16 use cell phones only for essential calls because their brains are still developing.
However, medical experts contend that this study is no reason to panic, because more research is needed.
And the cell phone industry points to two U.S. studies by the F.D.A. and the F.C.C that found no evidence cell phones are linked to cancer.
Reported by Todd Quinones, CBS 3.
