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PEOPLE WHO USE mobile phones intensively appear to have a higher risk of developing certain types of brain cancer, French scientists have said, reviving questions about phone safety.
Individuals who used their cellphone for more than 15 hours each month over five years on average had between two and three times greater risk of developing glioma and meningioma tumours compared with people whose used their phone rarely, they found.
The study, appearing in the latest issue of British journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, is the latest foray in a long-running exploration of mobile-phone safety.
Over the last 15 years, most investigations have failed to turn up conclusive results either way, although several have suggested a link between gliomas and intensive, long-term use.
Part of the trend
“Our study is part of that trend, but the results have to be confirmed,” said Isabelle Baldi, of the University of Bordeaux in southwestern France, who took part in the probe.
In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said radiofrequency fields used by mobile phones are possibly carcinogenic.
But research faces several challenges. They include clear proof in the lab that these fields are harmful to human cells.
Another is getting an accurate picture of phone use in real life, filtering out lifestyle factors such as smoking which amplify cancer risk and taking into account changing phone technology.
High risk
The new study looked at 253 cases of glioma and 194 cases of meningioma reported in four French departments (counties) between 2004 and 2006.
These patients were matched against 892 “controls,” or healthy individuals drawn from the general population, in a bid to spot any differences between the two groups.
The comparison found a higher risk among those who used their phone intensively, especially among those who used it for their work, such as in sales. The duration of use in this category ranged from between two and 10 years, averaging at five years.
But study also found several inconsistencies with other investigations that have suggested a link between heavy phone use and brain cancer.
For instance, in contrast with previous work, it found that cancer occurred on the opposite side of the brain, rather than on the same side, of where the phone was customarily used.
“It is difficult to define a level of risk, if any, especially as mobile phone technology is constantly evolving,” the study acknowledged.
“The rapid evolution of technology has led to a considerable increase in the use of mobile phones and a parallel decrease of [radiowave intensity] emitted by the phones.
“Studies taking account of these recent developments and allowing the observation of potential long-term effects will be needed.”
- © AFP 2014.
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The Russians use the argument, that the crimean population is largely ethnically russian and crimea was always russian. Much like the excuse the British use for occupying the North. If only Coveney was so blunt about the occupation of part of our country by a foreign country.
@Welk wrangler: ““I am glad also to be part of the international community which has convened to co-ordinate efforts to resolve the long-standing issue of the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol,” he said.”
A good bit late there Simon, Crimea was annexed 7 years ago, there is no resolving it now, it belongs to Russia, if you mean you are part of international community who is going to have a talking shop with junkets and expenses then yes, off you toddle.
@Welk wrangler: There is not foreign occupation of any part of our country. Northern Ireland not part of the Republic it is its own country. Only thing in common is the 2 countries share an island.
@Roy Dowling: Spoken like a true Fine Gaeler
@Roy Dowling: you’re totally wrong there. Ireland is Ireland and the six counties are occupied. It’s not British, it’s Irish soil, occupied by an Empire that is crumbling
@Michael Kehoe: Roy does not like to hear that . As West Brit as they come, our Roy
@Welk wrangler: I’m not sure that is factual. I maybe wrong but as far as I’m aware Crimea was part of Russia and was only given to Ukraine by President Nikita Khrushchev after the death of Stalin. Chances are most citizens are ethnic Russia.
@Michael Kehoe: does the good friday agreement state a recognition of two states
Excellent news!
Very misleading headline.
Surely it’s not Coveney that’s opening it.. its the Dept of Foreign Affairs that’s doing it and paying for it.
@Seoirse Ó Staighe: Incorrect- it is a political decision to open any embassy. The staff in the DoFA are civil servants and answer to the current minister.
Any chance he could forget about the PR stunts and answer a few questions here? FG have kept him out of the limelight for long enough.
@alan: Err- he is the minister for Foreign Affairs. The word ‘foreign’ is the clue there.
Why on earth are we opening an embassy in Ukraine?
Do we have significant trade, cultural or other links with this country? Greater than with many other countries?
If not then it’s just a snub to the Russians and to lick the boots of the US.
have your say