Do Cell Phones and Wireless Earbuds Increase Brain Tumor Risk? - Radiology

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

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Hello, mobile phones have gradually become a common communication device since 1990.
Whether they affect human health and increase the risk of cancer currently lacks a definitive conclusion.
The following information about mobile phones comes from the American Cancer Society website; please refer to it.
Link: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html
The energy emitted by mobile phones is referred to as radiofrequency (RF) waves.
Concerns about the safety of mobile phone usage primarily focus on whether it increases the risk of brain tumors or other tumors in the head and neck region, as these areas are closest to where the phone is held during calls.
Mobile phones use RF waves to send signals to nearby cell towers and receive signals from them.
RF waves are a form of energy that lies between FM radio waves and microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Like FM radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and heat, RF waves are a type of "non-ionizing radiation." They do not have enough energy to cause cancer by directly damaging the DNA (genes) within cells.
Very high levels of RF waves can heat body tissues; however, the energy released by mobile phones is too low to raise body temperature.
1.
How does the human body get exposed to RF waves? RF waves come from the phone's antenna, which is part of the handheld device.
The waves are strongest at the antenna and lose energy quickly as they move away from the phone.
When someone is on a call, the phone is typically held close to the head.
The closer the antenna is to the user's head, the greater their expected exposure to RF waves.
Body tissues nearest to the phone absorb more RF wave energy than those farther away.
2.
Several factors can influence the amount of RF wave energy a person is exposed to, including:
- The duration of the call.
- Whether the phone is held near the head or used in speakerphone or hands-free mode.
The farther the phone is from the body, the less exposure there is.
- The distance and path to the nearest cell tower.
Phones adjust their power to use the minimum amount necessary for a good signal.
Being farther from a tower requires more energy to maintain a good signal.
- The mobile traffic in the area at the time.
High traffic (from many users) may require more energy to obtain a good signal.
- The model of the mobile phone used.
Different phones emit varying amounts of energy.
3.
Do mobile phones cause tumors? Given that phones are usually held near the head during calls, the primary concern is whether they can cause or contribute to tumors in that area, including:
- Malignant (cancerous) brain tumors, such as gliomas.
- Non-malignant brain tumors, such as meningiomas.
- Non-malignant tumors of the nerves connecting the brain and ear (vestibular schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas).
- Salivary gland tumors.
- Some studies have also investigated potential associations with other types of cancer.
4.
What do experts abroad think?
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) has no official position or statement regarding whether RF radiation from mobile phones, cell towers, or other sources causes cancer.
- Based on a review of studies published up to 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified RF radiation as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," as some studies suggest an increased risk of brain tumors among mobile phone users.
- The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a technical report based on studies published from 2008 to 2018 and national trends in cancer incidence.
The report concluded, "Based on the studies detailed in this report, there is not enough evidence to support a causal relationship between radiofrequency radiation exposure and tumor formation."
- The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has not included RF radiation in its Report on Carcinogens.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Currently, there is no scientific evidence to establish a causal relationship between the use of wireless devices and cancer or other diseases.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Scientific research is ongoing to determine whether mobile phone use may impact health.
5.
How can exposure to RF radiation be minimized? Since RF radiation sources are very common in the modern world, it is impossible to completely avoid exposure.
However, several methods can reduce the amount of RF radiation exposure, such as:
- Avoiding occupations that increase RF exposure.
- Limiting time spent near devices that emit RF radiation, such as Wi-Fi routers.
- Reducing the time spent holding the phone to the ear (or near another part of the body).
However, it is currently unclear whether these actions are beneficial to health.
Please refer to the above information, and I wish you safety and good health.

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Reply Date: 2020/11/16