After years of debate, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reviewed all the available studies and weighed in: Yes, there is reason to suspect that cell phone use may be linked to brain cancer. It’s difficult to tell for sure in part because brain tumors can take many years to develop. But the evidence is strong enough, says WHO, to put cell phones in the same category as dry cleaning chemicals and pesticides: a potential threat to human health. Cell phones emit microwaves which can gently heat your brain in a very watered-down version of what your microwave oven does to your leftovers.
What should you do?
1. Get a headset and use it. You can dramatically reduce exposure by not holding the phone next to your head.
2. Avoid using your cell phone where it has a weak signal, such as in between towers or inside elevators. Why? Because cell phones work harder and emit more radio waves when they’re struggling to connect.
3. Text instead of calling. In particular, encourage your children to send text messages rather than having cell phone conversations. Their skulls are thinner and their brains are still growing, so they’re likely more susceptible to the microwaves than you are.
Not surprisingly, the cell phone industry responded with skepticism. “It does not mean cell phones cause cancer,” according to CTIA-The Wireless Association.
We leave it to you to decide.
