A group of scientists say yes, but others say they need more evidence
ALBANY, GA -- A group of scientists are making a claim that brain tumors are linked to cell phone use--but not everyone agrees.
Cell phones--with about 97% of American adults using one, they've almost become a part of the human body.
“I use my cell phone every day, probably a grand total of a couple hours each day,” says local attorney Blake Brantley.
“I use it every day, probably several times an hour. You get accustomed to being able to be reached and reaching everyone almost 24 hours a day,” says Greg Fullerton.
But a group of 31 scientists from 14 countries say there's a link between cancer and cell phone use--albeit a very weak link. They say cell phone use should be classified as "possibly carcinogenic". A category that also includes coffee, pickled vegetables and engine exhaust. Dr. Philip Steig is a neurosurgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital and says he doesn't see a connection between the two.
“The incidents of utilization of cell phones has grown exponentially up to five billion people. The incidents or prevalence of malignant brain tumors has remained constant over that same time period,” says Dr. Steig.
“I'm not concerned with it, I think, like with anything, moderation is the key,” says Brantley.
“I think you'd have to use it a considerable amount of time, often, to have significant side effects, but it's something to be a little more wary of,” says Fullerton.
And if you're like most people who simply can't cut down the amount of time you spend on your cell phone, there are ways to help reduce the risk.
Use a wired ear piece. Most every phone will come with one. If you use Bluetooth, don't wear it all the time, take it off if you're not talking to someone. You can use the speakerphone, you can choose to text instead of talk, just not while you're driving. And phone manuals will actually tell you to hold the phone 5/8 of an inch away from you while talking.
There is controversy about the study, folks saying that people who already had brain tumors were asked how often they used their cell phones.
Most doctors are saying they need to see more concrete evidence.
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