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Cell phones might pose a danger additional to the scourge of distracted driving: brain cancer. According to Tuesday's Daily News, The World Health Organization released a statement pointing to cell phone use as emitting radio frequency electromagnetic fields that are "possibly carcinogenic to humans." It was a stunning reversal for the WHO, which had previously maintained there was no definitive a link between cell phone use and cancer.
The announcement was issued as 31 scientists from 14 countries converged in Lyon, France. The statement said there is some evidence that cell phones are responsible for "an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer," according to the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Does this mean you should toss your cell phones into the trash and dig out some Dixie cups and string for low-tech communicating? Not necessarily. While there is no direct evidence that cell phones cause cancer, there are ways to help you reduce the risk. The Environmental Working Group suggests using the phone's speaker mode, or going hands free mode when talking. It also stresses not using the phone when the signal is faint, as radiation exposure is strongest when there are fewer bars. Also, children should not use cell phones, as their brains absorb radiation quickly.
Below is a list of phones that, according to the EWG, should be avoided, as they can cause more radiation to be absorbed by the body.
Motorola Bravo (MB520) AT&T 1.59 W/kg
Motorola Droid 2 GlobalVerizon Wireless *1.58 W/kg
Palm PixiSprint1.56 W/kg
Motorola Boost i335Boost Mobile 1.55 W/kg
Blackberry Bold 9700AT&T, T-Mobile1.55 W/kg
Motorola i335Sprint 1.55 W/kg
HTC Magic (T-Mobile myTouch 3G)T-Mobile 1.55 W/kg
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