Dr. Devra Davis along with other co-authors have just published a new paper entitled, “Swedish Review Strengthens Grounds for Concluding that Radiation from Cellular and Cordless Phones is a Probable Human Carcinogen.”

The paper, which is in the form of a commentary, reviews recent analyses not available at the time that the IARC completed its deliberations in May 2011, and takes into account methodological shortcomings from a number of authors, along with newly completed studies on those who begin using cell phones regularly before age 20.

Some noteworthy quotations from the article are as follows:

“An important new article by the Swedish group of investigators led by Hardell et al (2012) [1] provides a valuable contribution to the epidemiological literature that makes the case for creating preventive policies now to reduce harmful risks associated with mobile (cellular) and cordless phones, and other forms of wireless radiation.  [In May] 2011, a committee of 30 invited scientists from 15 different countries working on behalf of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization reviewed key studies on the topic and characterized exposure to radiofrequency radiation associated with mobile phone use as Group 2B carcinogen – i.e. possibly carcinogenic to humans.  This is the same category as the pesticide DDT, gasoline engine exhaust, burning coal and dry cleaning chemicals, and jet fuel—compounds that are subject to serious regulation and control around the world today.”

“By reviewing key epidemiological studies, some of which have been published since the IARC review, addressing methodological critiques of their own and other studies, and reporting the results of a meta-analysis of their own and the IARC coordinated Interphone study, Hardell et al provide new and compelling evidence for IARC to re-evaluate its classification of ‘a possible carcinogen’, with a view to changing that assessment of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones, cordless phones, and other wireless devices at least to a ‘probable human carcinogen,’ i.e. Group 2A.”  [emphasis added]

“Current standards rest on the assumption that permitted levels of microwave radiation from mobile phones do not induce any measureable change in temperature or biological effect.  Several independent avenues of research have shown this assumption to be incorrect.”

“Other important research questions that should be addressed include the following:  Could exposures to mobile phone radiation play a role in the unusual rise in autism?  Does the increase in deep vein thrombosis as the leading cause of death in pregnancy have any connection with the growing use of mobile phones during pregnancy?  Could blood clots such as that developed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after a fall be more frequent in those who are also heavy cellphone users?  Are tinnitus and other hearing problems associated with longer-term mobile phone use?”

“Current standards for exposure to radiofrequency fields were set more than fifteen years ago resting on the belief that levels of microwave radiation from mobile phones cannot induce any measureable change in temperature or other biological effect.  Recent analyses show that this assumption is no longer tenable.  [emphasis added]  The General Accountability Office (GAO) recently advised the U.S. Congress that standards for mobile phones should be reassessed (GAO, 2012), noting that no new proposals had been advanced in the past two decades, a period during which both the users and their uses have changed dramatically.”

“There are a number of experts who contend that the lack of an overall positive trend in gliomas provides evidence that mobile phone use does not cause brain tumours.  In addition, some assert that there is no exposure-response relationship, either in terms of the amount of mobile phone use or by localization of the brain tumour, and that this argues against a causal association.  But, reviews conducted by groups of researchers from different countries, as well as published policy resolutions and advisories from national authorities such as the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority and the Austrian Medical Society, reach much different conclusions and fully support the need for a precautionary approach regarding risk.”

“The challenge to public health is how to promote sensible policies now.  The focus on brain cancer may be the tip of the iceberg in relation to a host of other serious widespread health, behavioural and social effects from such radiation.”

[1] Hardell L, Carlberg M, Mild KH. Use of mobile phones and cordless phones is associated with increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma. Pathophysiology. (2012), in press.

With regard to the actual Hardell. et.al., article referenced above, the final summary paragraph for that article is quoted below:

“In summary there is reasonable basis to conclude that RF-EMFs are bioactive and have a potential to cause health impacts.  There is a consistent pattern of increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma associated with use of wireless phones (mobile phones and cordless phones) mainly based on results from case-control studies from the Hardell group and Interphone Final Study results.  Epidemiological evidence gives that RF-EMF should be classified as a human carcinogen.  The current safety limits and reference levels are not adequate to protect public health.  New public health standards and limits are needed.”