There has been much debate surrounding the safety of mobile phone usage and its potential link to cancer. However, recent studies have found no evidence to support this claim and reassured us that our mobile devices are safe to use.

What is the concern?

The concern for mobile phone users stems from the radio frequency (RF) energy that is emitted from our devices. This energy is absorbed by the body and has led to concerns about an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.

However, mobile phones have been in use since the 1980s and over the years, there have been numerous studies on the potential health risks.

A large body of evidence has been accumulated, and the overall conclusion is that mobile phones pose no significant health risk.

What do the studies show?

A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2015 found no increased risk of brain cancer among mobile phone users, even when they used their phones frequently or for long periods of time.

Another study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2018 analysed data from over 400,000 mobile phone users and also found no evidence to suggest an increased risk of cancer, including brain cancer, over a 13 year period.

Similarly, a review of research published in the Journal of Cancer Prevention found that mobile phone use had no significant association with the risk of several types of cancer.

What do the experts say?

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RF radiation as a possible carcinogen, which means that it could cause cancer in humans.

However, the IARC also notes that the evidence is limited and inconsistent, and that further research is needed to draw any definitive conclusions.

The American Cancer Society, meanwhile, has stated that the majority of studies have found no link between mobile phone use and cancer, but acknowledges that further research is needed to fully understand any potential risks.

What can we do to reduce our exposure to RF energy?

While the studies suggest that mobile phones are safe to use, there are still steps we can take to reduce our exposure to RF energy, such as:.

Using a hands-free device or speakerphone when making calls
Keeping mobile phones away from the body (such as in a bag or on a desk) when not in use
Limiting mobile phone use in areas with weak signals, as this can cause the device to emit more RF energy to stay connected to the network
Using a wired connection to the internet instead of Wi-Fi when possible

Conclusion

While there are concerns about the potential link between mobile phone use and cancer, the evidence currently suggests that our mobile devices are safe.

However, it is important to continue monitoring research in this area and taking steps to reduce our exposure to RF energy.