May 31, 2011

expert reaction to IARC classification of mobile phone radiofrequencies as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’

New guidelines from the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified mobile phone radiofrequencies as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ to humans.

Prof Malcolm Sperrin, Director of Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering at Royal Berkshire Hospital, said:

“This statement is a welcome authoritative analysis of the current understanding of the relationship between health and electromagnetic spectrum exposure; particularly that from mobile phones. In my opinion the categorisation as 2b is appropriate since the justification for such a risk indicator respects the anecdotal evidence that cancers may be associated with phone usage. That being said, it is vitally important to fully understand that there is no definitive correlation between phone usage and the development of cancers that can be inferred from current studies or hypothetical tissue interactions with electromagnetic fields of the type under observation. Where there is ground for further studies, the statistics of the findings is sufficiently marginal simply to provide grounds for additional research and not to establish a link. It is only at high usage over long periods of time that such equivocal data is suspected.

“The publication of more data along with a comprehensive justification of any conclusions is eagerly awaited especially in relation to children.

“It should also be stated that electromagnetic field exposure is not new – witness the regular usage of radio and other waves for many decades with no convincing health detriment at low powers. The social and technological benefits also need to be emphasised.”