By Ruth Kava, Ph.D., R.D., Aubrey Noelle Stimola, Rivka Weiser, Lynnea Mills
Posted: Monday, December 13, 2004
REPORT
Publication Date: December 13, 2004
Introduction
Pediatric Vaccines and Autism
PCBs in Salmon and Cancer
Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors
Nightlights and Leukemia
Chemicals in Cosmetics
Mercury in Seafood Causes Neurological Problems in Humans
Cheeseburgers and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Antibiotics Cause Breast Cancer
Teflon Causes Health Problems in Humans
Soda Causes Esophageal Cancer
Dishonorable Mention
Deodorants, Antiperspirants Cause Breast Cancer
Plastics Cause Cancer
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The Scare:
Since the Larry King show presented claims of a link between cell phone usage and cancer in 1993, various concerns over this supposed connection have surfaced. Most recently, media claims have highlighted reports that cell phones cause acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor on the acoustic nerve (a cranial nerve concerned with hearing and balance).
Where Did the Scare Come From?
In September 2004, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden released their findings in a study of 750 subjects who had used cell phones for at least ten years, 150 of whom were diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and 600 of whom were neuroma-free.(37) Results indicated that the risk of developing acoustic neuroma was almost double for those who began using cell phones before their diagnosis, and almost four times higher on the side of the head on which the phone was typically held. These results were assessed based on the study subjects’ recollections of the amount of cell phone use and the side of the head favored for holding the phone, over long periods of time.(38) Other studies have demonstrated links between cell phone radiation and changes in laboratory cell cultures that display characteristics of cancerous cells.(39)
The Media Coverage:
A multitude of media sources jumped at the news of the published study. Matt Moore, at the Associated Press, wrote an article entitled “Study Links Mobile Phones, Benign Tumors,”(40) which was picked up by numerous newspapers, news websites, and TV stations.(41) Some headlines and articles were less representative of the true nature of the study. Mercola.com, an online health guide, ran the story under the headline “Long-term Cell Phone Use Spurs Tumor Growth” and began with the paragraph “If you have used your mobile phone for more than 10 years, you might have increased your risk of developing acoustic neuroma...”(42) Even the Reuters article headline—“Study indicates mobile phones increase tumor risk”(43) —neglected important aspects of the research. Such headlines no doubt caused unnecessary fear for cell-phone users, many of whom the study authors said were not at risk.
The Bottom Line:
The researchers who conducted the study were quick to point out that it is one study—small and retrospective—and has not been replicated. In general, scientists don’t consider new findings to be reliable until they have been demonstrated several times, in studies conducted by different groups of researchers. Reaching conclusions on the basis of a single, unreplicated finding would be unwise because it is possible that the isolated finding might be in error. The researchers further stated that the study mainly examined the use of analog cell phones (which emit far more radiation than the digital phones that make up almost the whole market today), and that the results should not be cause for concern for cell phone users but rather cause for further research into the matter.(44) The headlines, however, failed to express these caveats. While the articles themselves often contained more accurate representations of the research, the headlines (which are frequently the only part people read) were often inflammatory and misleading. The media’s efforts to catch the public’s attention on this matter likely caused numerous cell phone users undue stress and worry over the probably negligible health effects of using their phones.
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