The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a study that labels cell phone radiation as a possible carcinogen, a classification that puts it in the same category as lead, gas exhaust, and chloroform. The study was conducted by the organization’s International Agency for Research of Cancer (IARC), which included 31 scientists from 14 countries. This disclosure is based on research that has shown an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.

In an excerpt from the WHO/IARC press release, Dr Jonathan Samet (University of Southern California, USA), overall Chairman of the IARC Working Group, indicated that “the evidence, while still accumulating, is strong enough to support a conclusion and the 2B classification. The conclusion means that there could be some risk, and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk.”

“Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings,” said IARC Director Christopher Wild, “it is important that additional research be conducted into the long‐term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands‐free devices or texting. ”

You can read or download (in PDF format) the press release here.

The cell phone industry understandably reacted strongly to this WHO report and insists that there is no cause for concern based on available evidence. However, Dr. Henry Lai, a University of Washington scientist, in a review of available cell phone studies found an interesting correlation:
Non-industry funded studies: 67% show ill effects
Industry-funded studies: 28% show ill effects