Prolonged use of cellphones causes cancer

Heavy mobile phone users face a higher risk of developing
cancers, according to a landmark international study overseen by the WHO.

Even though the conclusion of the research will be revealed
only later this year, a preliminary breakdown of the results found a
‘significantly increased risk’ of some brain tumours ‘related to use of mobile
phones for a period of 10 years or more’ in some studies.

The conclusion of the £ 20 million study, while not
definitive, will undermine assurances that the devices are safe. Several
countries, notably France, have started strengthening warnings in this regard
and American politicians are urgently investigating the risks.

The Interphone inquiry has been probing the link between
exposure to mobile phones and three types of brain tumour and a tumour of the
salivary gland. The landmark international project carried out research in 13
countries, interviewing tumour sufferers and people in good health to see
whether their mobile phone use differed. It questioned about 12,800 people
between 2000 and 2004, the report said.

However, a breakdown of the latest findings shows that six
of eight Interphone studies found some rise in the risk of glioma (the most
common brain tumour), with one finding a 39% increase.

(Source : The Times of India, 25-10-2009)