Claim Review: Cellphone Radiation and Brain Cancer

The claim that cellphone radiation may cause brain cancer has been a topic of debate for many years. Several peer-reviewed studies have been conducted to investigate this claim, but the evidence is not conclusive. While some studies show a link between cellphone radiation and brain cancer, others do not.

A recent study published in Environmental Health analyzed 24 studies and found significantly higher risks for malignant brain tumors, meningioma, and glioma on the side of the head where cellphones were held. The study also found that heavy, long-term cellphone use was linked to an increased risk of glioma. This study brings the number of meta-analyses published since 2016 linking cellphone radiation to an increased risk of brain cancer to seven.

However, a recent WHO-led study claimed there’s no evidence of a link between cellphone radiation and brain cancer. Some experts have suggested that the WHO picked industry-biased researchers to conduct its review. Lennart Hardell, a leading scientist who found a link between cellphone use and gliomas, agreed that the WHO study authors should be responsible for their fraudulent behavior violating human health and the environment.

Brain tumor rates are on the rise in Denmark, which is known for its high-quality tracking of cancer cases. This data contradicts the notion that the rate of brain tumors isn’t on the rise, which has been used to claim that cellphone use is not linked to an increased risk of brain tumors or cancers in general. A 2023 study on brain cancer rates worldwide from 1990-2019 found a significant rise in brain cancer among both men and women in nearly all parts of the world.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims there’s not enough scientific evidence to link cellphone use to health problems, including brain cancer. However, the FDA rejected the findings of a $30 million study it commissioned on the topic, which concluded there was 'clear evidence' that male rats exposed to high levels of wireless radiation like that used in 2G and 3G cellphones developed cancerous heart tumors, and 'some evidence' of tumors in the brain and adrenal gland of exposed male rats.

In conclusion, while some studies suggest a link between cellphone radiation and brain cancer, the evidence is not conclusive. The World Health Organization and other health agencies have not found sufficient evidence to support this claim. More research is needed to fully understand the potential risks.

References

• Relationship between radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and brain tumor: meta-analyses using various proxies for RF-EMR exposure-outcome assessment - Jinyoung Moon, Jungmin Kwon & Yongseok Mun, Environmental Health volume 23, Article number: 82 (2024)