New analysis calls for more precise research on cell phones and brain cancer

In a recent meta-analysis published in Environmental Health, researchers found a statistically significant increased risk of brain cancer in people who used cell phones for over 10 years.

In short:

• They found an increased risk of brain tumors in studies where individuals had cumulative call times of 896 hours or more.
• People who typically held the phone against one side of their head during calls had a higher risk of developing cancer on that side.
• Not all analyses found an association, but as the exposure data became more precise - i.e., accounting for how many actual hours a cell phone was used - the associations became stronger.
• The authors also point to changing patterns in technology such as Wi-Fi networks and the growing use of Bluetooth / wireless headphones as important exposure factors that should be considered in future research.

Why this matters:

All wireless devices emit RF radiation, which a growing body of scientific data suggests may increase the risk for negative health impacts. This is one of 7 meta-analyses that have found associations between cell phone use and brain cancer. While these conclusions contrast with the findings of a recent review funded by WHO, this analysis found an increased tumor risk when analyzing data with more precise exposure subcategories than those used in the WHO review.

Related EHN coverage:

• Regulations on radiation exposure remain unchanged for decades
• New study finds chromosomal changes in residents living near cell phone towers

More resources:

The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer designated RF radiation as a possible carcinogen in 2011. Their advisory group has since recommended a reevaluation of the most up-to-date science twice, once in 2019 and most recently in November of this year.

Moon, Jinyoung et al. for Environmental Health vol. 23. Oct. 10, 2024