In Part 1 of this 3-part series on cell phones and
cancer, Wireless NewsFactor explored the outlines of a health debate that has spawned
substantial consumer unease. Part 2 addressed the
dichotomy between what researchers are saying and what handset makers are doing.
Part 3 focuses on lingering health concerns and the need for more research to explore
those concerns.
Many folks in the wireless space are quick to
point out a plethora of studies that say mobile phones are safe. And they're
right: Much of the data out there debunks the theory that wireless phones
spew dangerous radiation.
But that doesn't mean the studies have stopped.
Since cell phone radiation is such a politically potent issue with enormous health
concerns riding on it, it likely will be studied forever.
"In general, this is a topic that needs more research and better
understanding," Gartner
Dataquest analyst Paul Dittner told Wireless NewsFactor. "The research reporting to
this point has provided some conflicting results."
Dittner's point is on the money: Serious research requires serious
follow-up time, and that has not been a component of many studies conducted to
date. That is why not only the private sector, but also government, will continue
to examine wireless phone radiation.
Industry Supports Research
In June, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) signed
contracts with three research institutions to explore a possible link between
mobile phone use and cancer. The research is being conducted under the
supervision of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This deal can be seen as representing the wireless industry's willingness to cooperate
with government agencies and fund significant further research. The first phase of this
project is expected to tote a bill of US$1.5 million.
And industry groups are not the only ones probing for more data. Individual
companies also are doing what they can to ensure their phones are safe.
In an interview with Wireless NewsFactor, Motorola director of global strategic
issues Norman Sandler said that his company has supported research, both on its
own and with other industry partners, to build an "expanded
scientific database to support health risk assessments" planned by the
World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies.
Trouble With RF
The goal of all these studies, in simple terms, is to find out whether radio
frequency (RF) emissions from mobile phones lead to health problems. And
there is reason to suspect such trouble.
While much of the data has not conclusively found any problems, one study
found damage to genetic material of blood cells, called lymphocytes. The
study, funded by the wireless industry, was enough to pique the FDA's interest,
causing it to call for more research. But even the first phase of the new FDA-guided
study will take up to two years. (continued...)
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