Long-term mobile phone use raises brain tumor risk: study

[Buckeyefan 1]

Fri Mar 31, 10:00 AM ET
STOCKHOLM (Reuters)

The use of mobile phones over a long period of time can raise the risk for brain tumors, a new Swedish study said on Friday, contradicting the conclusions of other researchers.

The Dutch Health Council, in an overview of research from around the world, last year found no evidence radiation from mobile phones and TV towers was harmful. A four-year British survey released in January showed no link between regular, long-term use of cell phones and the most common type of tumor.

However, researchers at the Swedish National Institute for Working Life said they looked at the mobile phone use of 905 people between the age of 20 and 80 who had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and found a link.

"A total 85 of these 905 cases were so-called high users of mobile phones, that is they began early to use mobile and, or wireless telephones and used them a lot," the study said.

"The study also shows that the rise in risk is noticeable for tumors on the side of the head where the phone was said to be used," it added.

Kjell Mild, who led the study, said the figures meant that heavy users of mobile phones, for instance of who make mobile phone calls for 2,000 hours or more in their life, had a 240 percent increased risk for a malignant tumor on the side of the head the phone is used.

"The way to get the risk down is to use handsfree," he told Reuters.

He said his study was the biggest yet to look at long-term users of the wireless phone, which has been around in Sweden in a portable form since 1984, longer than in many other countries.

My prediction is this will take over the leading cause of death for our generation (over heart disease). We live by our cell phones. Some have eliminated land lines for cell phones. I use mine for work. This is not very promising.

 

[rolski]

Is this the study that refutes the study that negates the study which contradicts the study that flames the study that praised the study which claimed the other study was bullsh*t, that was performed last week ? Or was it the week-before-last ? Or is it another one entirely ?
From memory, which is (truth be known) not my most reliable faculty, I think I've read three or four "reputed" studies in the European press over the last month which all contradict each other. The pronouncements have become so tedious that I've not bothered reading any other press & have continued using my mobile.
So, er, what are we supposed to believe ? Anyone studied this....?

 

[AverageJoe]

I'm no scientist, but to look at this another way...

91% of the people studied with brain tumors were NOT heavy cell phone users. Perhaps if they had used their cell phones more?...

 

[mtrycrafts]

I'm no scientist, but to look at this another way...

. Perhaps if they had used their cell phones more?...

Then, they would have had less

 

[mtrycrafts]

Fri Mar 31, 10:00 AM ET
STOCKHOLM (Reuters)



My prediction is this will take over the leading cause of death for our generation (over heart disease). We live by our cell phones. Some have eliminated land lines for cell phones. I use mine for work. This is not very promising.

How about obesity? High fat in diet?
We do have to die of something, no? Maybe I will live forever, don't have one of these devices. Or, die from something else

 

[furrycute]

That's why whenever you can, try to talk through your earpieces.

Ever noticed how warm the cell phone gets after you've been on the phone for a while. I figurered if you leave a certain distance between your head and the cell phone, that shoudl reduce the risk of radio waves generated by your cell phone damaging your brain.

I'm not very good with using earpieces. I should start using them more frequently.

 

[hifiman]

Does this mean that all those annoying people who talk on their cell phones during a movie will soon die out?

 

[gmichael]

Scientists have determained that syliva swallowed in small qty's over long periods of time will cause cancer, brain tumors and wilted willies.

 

[masak_aer]

I used text messaging a lot...becauseee..I have prepaid card...hehehe...save me a whole bunch of money. Mostly I'm in the office or at home..so, what's the point of paying all those taxes and bills...
i hope my thumb won't grow tumor because of it...

 

[rolski]

That's why whenever you can, try to talk through your earpieces.

I'm not very good with using earpieces. I should start using them more frequently.

Er, talk through your earpieces ? Perhaps try sticking the earpieces in your ears....and talk into the microphone....
Oh, and cradle the 'phone out in front of you & speak really loudly too just in case your microphone isn't very sensitive - you'll also find that lots of people you never knew before are suddenly really interested in you....

 

[furrycute]

Okay, talk through the mic. What was I thinking, talking through the earpiece! Maybe that's why people people have trouble hearing me on the phone...


With home cordless phones, the speaker phone function is pretty good, so that's what I usually use at home.

With cell phones, the speaker phone isn't all that great, and the mic is terrible in speakerphone mode. I guess an external earpiece (and an external mic) is the way to go...

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

How about obesity? High fat in diet?
We do have to die of something, no? Maybe I will live forever, don't have one of these devices. Or, die from something else

I like the quote "I could be hit by a bus tomorrow."

We're already realizing this (high fat in diet...), and the fast food mills have started doing something about it. Check the menu's - they actually offer healthy food options. That doesn't mean it works, but that the industry acknowledges they are fueling the fire. It's already happened with smoking - just look how many cities have banned smoking in public places. Same with the seatbelt law.

I guess some government intervention isn't so bad. If we can't look out for ourselves, someone else can, right? Our lives have become so hectic, with couples both having to work to pay outrageous mortgages, utilites, tuition/raising kids, etc... that we rarely have time to actually cook a meal, or make a call from home on a land line. I know I can't as my cell phone is necessary for my job. Maybe I'll go out and buy an ear bud - or maybe it's too late.

 

[philh]

Ever hear the dit dit dot dit from your computer speakers? It's the phone nearby. Does the EMI(?) effect the brain, only the researchers with a particular bent know. I first realized the issue years ago, when I had my old analog phone sitting on the table next to the walkman and nearly jumped through the ceiling when the buzzing noise overwhelmed the radio signal. Several dozen micro seconds later the phone started ringing. I mosly use an ear bud now.

 

[j_garcia]

There was a study in Germany or France I believe that showed only a slight increase due to long term cell phone usage, basically within the margin of error. There are so many other things that are worse for you, the cell would be the least of my concerns.

 

[Spiffyfast]

yeah, i have to say, id rather give up smoking tha not use my cellphone. I can't remember when I didn't have at now I don't think i could live without it.

 

[Mort Corey]

Hmmm, having never owned nor used a cell phone I guess I'll be OK.....unless I get a tumor from second hand cell emmissions, then I'm gonna sue

Mort

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hmmm, having never owned nor used a cell phone I guess I'll be OK.....unless I get a tumor from second hand cell emmissions, then I'm gonna sue

Mort

Make sure you keep track of all those FR dna you come in contact with so you sue the right owners

 

[mtrycrafts]

Does this mean that all those annoying people who talk on their cell phones during a movie will soon die out?

Not before the movie ends

 

[mtrycrafts]

I used text messaging a lot...confused:

OK, so now you will get tumor of the fingers

 

[mtrycrafts]

I like the quote "I could be hit by a bus tomorrow."

:

Well, yes, if you live in a large city with high bus traffic Otherwise, some idiot reaching for his cell phone, loosing control