By Michael Kaufman

After an extensive review of research worldwide, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) has published its findings on the cancer risk to humans posed by exposure to cell-phone radiation and other devices involving radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as Wi-Fi.  The conclusions suggest that “it is time for all nations to review their cell-phone regulatory standards and testing procedures in order to protect their citizens from preventable risks,” says Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., of the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. Also, adds Moskowitz, who has read the entire 471-page WHO monograph, “It is critical that governments provide ample warnings to cell-phone users how to use their phones safely.”

In a press release posted April 19, Moskowitz points out that according to the IARC, “Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).”  Children are particularly vulnerable because “the average exposure from use of the same mobile phone is higher by a factor of two in a child’s brain and higher by a factor of 10 in the bone marrow of the skull.” Moreover, he notes, a child’s brain develops at a greater rate than the adult brain, adding to the risk.

The report represents the consensus of a “Working Group” of 31 international experts who met in Lyon, France, in May 2011. Moskowitz says that some recent studies that provide further evidence for increased cancer risk due to exposure to cell-phone radiation were not reviewed. Meanwhile, other recent studies have linked cell-phone radiation with other harmful effects on humans, “especially on sperm and the fetus.” The IARC reviewed research involving users of legally-acquired cell phones that had passed regulatory standards. Although users were exposed to “non-thermal doses of microwave radiation,” the IARC concluded there is some evidence that these exposures caused increased risk of glioma (a type of brain tumor that is often malignant) and acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor affecting nerves that run from the inner ear to the brain).  “Thus,” says Moskowitz, “it is time for all nations to review their cell-phone regulatory standards and testing procedures in order to protect their citizens from preventable risks. Also, it is critical that governments provide ample warnings to cell-phone users how to use their phones safely.”

According to Moskowitz, 15 nations and the European Union have already issued precautionary warnings about cell-phone radiation. “Many of these warnings strongly encourage limiting use by children and teenagers, as well as adherence to cell phone manufacturers’ recommendations that you must keep the phone away from your body when it is turned on,” he explained, adding, “It is amazing what you can find in small print!”

So why has the WHO report fallen on deaf ears so to speak in the United States? Moskowitz thinks federal agencies have been in denial about health risks from cell-phone radiation because of “tremendous political and economic power” exerted by the wireless industry. “The industry has been very successful in co-opting many scientists worldwide and employs many of the tactics developed by the tobacco industry,” he maintains. Thus, despite numerous attempts, no state has been able to pass cell-phone precautionary legislation and San Francisco is the only city that has adopted a precautionary cell-phone ordinance. Even that may be gone soon, says Moskowitz, because of a lawsuit filed on behalf of the wireless industry in the federal courts. It appears that the “free speech rights of industry trump the public’s right to know.” The irony, he says, is that no one is suggesting that anyone give up using cell phones or Wi-Fi. “We are simply arguing we need to develop safer technologies, stronger regulations, and teach people how to use these technologies in a safe manner.”

My wife Eva-Lynne has already been putting all her calls on speaker phone at home and in the car, especially since her recent surgery to remove a parotid tumor adjacent to her right ear—the one she always used to put against the phone. It is a minor annoyance to have to listen to some conversations (especially when I hear her talking to her mother and suspect they’re talking about me) when I’m trying to focus on work. But it is well worth it if it can reduce the risk of cancer. And now I have no choice but to urge our kids to follow suit. The thought of listening to some of their conversations makes me shudder….. but it sure as hell beats cancer.

Michael can be reached at michael@zestoforange.com.