Adults and children alike are spending more time on cell phones than ever before. But are there hidden consequences of this modern trend? Considering the great deal of time we spend on our mobile devices, the question of whether they can cause cancer is one we need to know the answer to, and that answer, may surprise you.
In May 2011, 30 scientists from 14 countries met at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in France to assess the carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The IARC is a specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization.
During this meeting, they concluded that cell phones are possibly carcinogenic to humans, placing them into Group 2B on the IARC’s grading scale.
Group 1: The agent is carcinogenic to humans.
Group 2A: The agent is probably carcinogenic to humans.
Group 2B: The agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
Group 4: The agent is probably not carcinogenic to humans.
The World Health Organization Compares Cell Phones to Kimchi
But let’s be honest. Should cell phones really be classified in such a lower level of risk? After all, kimchi, a fermented, pro-biotic-rich, Asian cabbage dish, is also in Group 2B!
Kimchi is not only delicious, but I’d say a pretty natural food. It typically contains nappa cabbage, radishes, scallions, garlic, ginger, and Gochujang, a.k.a red chili paste. (Recipes vary but you get the picture….SURELY a natural food like kimchi should not be considered as carcinogenic as cell phone radiation.)
One study published in 2014, actually found kimchi to have anti-carcinogenic potential, thanks to its lactic acid bacteria such as W. cibaria and L. plantarum.
Studies Linking Cell Phones to Cancer
Two studies conducted in 2017 also point to cell phones having a link to cancer. The study titled, “Mobile phone use and risk of brain tumours: a systematic review of association between study quality, source of funding, and research outcomes” showed a 33% increased chance of developing brain tumors with long-term cell phone use.
The other important study, “Mobile phone use and glioma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis”, revealed a 46% increased odds for tumors on the side of your head you use your phone.
Now that’s something to think about. We are literally radiating our head with each and every phone conversation. Yikes! We’ve all felt the sudden warming sensation on our skin from where the phone has been if we’ve been talking for a while. When this happens, it is probably a sign we need to put the phone down.
Brain tumors are not the only concern when it comes to cell phone radiation. Any place on our body that is frequently exposed to our cell phone could develop a tumor. For instance, if you carry your phone on your belt loop or in your side pocket, these areas are at an increased risk for developing cancer.
What can we do to reduce the risk of developing a tumor from cell phones?
Since cell phones are such an integral part of our lives, it’s hard not to use them. Apart from throwing your cell phone away altogether, here are a few things we can do to offset some of the RF-EMF waves emitted from cell phones:
- Text or use the speakerphone option on your phone instead.
- At night, make sure your phone is off or remove it from the bedroom where you sleep.
- Don’t wear your phone.
- Use an EMF shield on your phone.
- Be very cautious about letting kids use cell phones- they may be more at risk due to their skulls being thinner.