The largest study to date and only just released on the possible dangers of cell phone use concluded that just 30 minutes of phone usage a day raises the risk of glioma, a common type of brain cancer, by up to 40%. The ten year study, carried out in 13 different countries and involving more than 5000 cancer patients, raises significant red flags about the safety of putting these devices up next to the head for extended periods of time day in and day out.
While the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the agency which conducted the study and has delayed its publication a number of times, tried to reassure the public on the findings, the fact remains that most Westerners utilize their cell phones for at least 30 minutes a day and therefore would fall in the category for significantly increased risk.
While more research is certainly warranted, the jury is no longer out on this basic issue. This is a significant study with a significant number of participants from all around the world. The facts can no longer be denied and excused away. Putting these devices up next to your head is dangerous and a game of Russian roulette with your health.
Most cell phone models now offer excellent speaker phones, so there is no longer any need to take any unnecessary risks. There are radiation neutralizing headphones also available. What is everyone waiting for? A warning from the cell phone companies themselves? Fat chance.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
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Dr. Mercola's website has a Blue TUBE headset for sale that neutralizes cell phone radiation (Not bluetooth headsets!). I use a regular headset made for my phone with a ferrite bead attached. I much prefer my speakerphone though and only use the earpiece if I need privacy with my phone call.
Could you list specific information about the radiation neutralizing headsets that you would recommend? I have read mixed things about headsets, some articles say that they don't help at all. Thank you!
don't expect the big telephone companies to make this information available to their paying customers!!!
Hi Rebecca, I've heard the same thing. I haven't seen any definitive studies on it, though, like this major 10 year cell phone study that just came out. If you have some studies about cordless phones to point to, please comment with them. As a precaution in the meantime, we have gotten rid of the cordless phones in our home (as of about 3 years ago) and we unplug our wireless router at night as well.
Sarah,
I've been told that cordless house phones give off just as much radiation as cell phones. Do you know if this is the case?