Pauline Anderson
Long-term use of both mobile and cordless phones is associated with an increased risk for glioma, the most common type of brain tumor, the latest research on the subject concludes. Gliomas are a type of tumor of the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 20% of gliomas are benign (noncancerous) and 80% are malignant (cancerous).
The new Swedish study published in the journal Pathophysiology October 2014, shows that the risk for glioma was tripled among those using a wireless phone for more than 25 years and that the risk was also greater for those who had started using mobile or cordless phones before age 20 years.
The new study shows that the risk for glioma was tripled among those using a wireless phone for more than 25 years and that the risk was also greater for those who had started using mobile or cordless phones before age 20 years.
The recent worldwide increase in use of wireless communications has resulted in greater exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). The brain is the main target of RF-EMF when these phones are used, with the highest exposure being on the same side of the brain where the phone is placed.
Reached for a comment, L. Dade Lunsford, MD, Lars Leksell Professor of Neurosurgery, and director, Center for Image Guided Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said the new study provides additional “but as yet unconvincing” evidence of a potential role of cell or cordless phone technologies in the pathogenesis of gliomas. These are interesting thoughts but we can’t dismiss the fact that this technology does save lives worldwide. My opinion is still “open” for I think all the data is inconclusive at this time but I think we all have to be cautious. Reported and reviewed, Dr. Russell
