Maine Senator Says Cell Phones Cause Cancer... Say What?

What does the FCC tell kids?

Do cell phones cause brain cancer?

There is no scientific evidence to date that proves that wireless phone usage can lead to cancer or a variety of other health effects, including
headaches, dizziness or memory loss.... the FDA, which has primary jurisdiction for investigating mobile phone safety, stated that it did not have enough information at that time to rule out the possibility of risk, but if such a risk exists, "it is probably small." The FDA concluded that there is no proof that cellular telephones can be harmful.

Take a look for yourself, click here.

What does the FDA say. Aren't they suppose to supervise this?

1. The weight of scientific evidence has not linked cell phones with any health problems.
2. Over the past 15 years, scientists have conducted hundreds of studies looking at the biological effects of the radiofrequency energy emitted by cell phones.
3. While some researchers have reported biological changes associated with RF energy, these studies have failed to be replicated.
4. The majority of studies published have failed to show an association [between the two].

Take a look for your self. The official policy of the Food and Drug Administration [in regards to cell phone cancer (i.e. radiation].

"Research abounds, but much of the literature is contradictory."

CNET

"There is currently no firm evidence that using a mobile phone will increase your risk of developing a brain tumour or any other type of cancer."

CancerHelp.org

You are more likely to cause damage to your ear drum with the constant sound waves pressed against your ear than you are by heating your body tissue and causing cancer over the same short time period.

So what is suggested? How do cell phones cause cancer?

Mobile phones are low powered radio devices that transmit and receive microwave radiation. The amount of radio wave energy that your body absorbs from a mobile phone can be measured; this measurement rate is called Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and is typically held in use only for measuring absorptions for MRI's and cell phones.

For any cell phone to be sold in the United States it must pass FCC (Federal Communication Commission [cellular certification]) issuance with a SAR level no greater than 1.6 watts per kilogram. [In Europe, the level is capped at 2 watts per kilogram; Canada capped at 1.6 watts per kilogram maximum.]

When you hear of studies done by the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicating cell phones and tumors are linked based on a case-controlled study of 23 persons you can get scared.

You can request the SAR information from the FCC, the manufacturer, or your carrier.

You'll need:

1. Model Number

2. FCC ID number [which is usually in the owner's manual or under the phone's battery]

Click here for a general list of cell phones and their SAR level in the United States.

On the other hand...there's more to the story.

Some say the case is stronger with the statistics of people identifying a coorelation between the side of the head they held their cell phone on and the side of the head the tumor as been located.

You could also say [and scientific skeptics do] using a cell phone on the same side of the head as the tumor is because they were asked about it only in that context (i.e. recall bias).

That means researchers compare the cell phone use of people who have cancer against that of people who don't have the condition. People who have tumors may be more inclined to exaggerate or misremember information about their cell phone usage.

Moreover, seven of the eight "strongest" studies in Moskowitz's group's analysis came from the same researcher: oncologist Dr. Lennart Hardell in Sweden. Critics say there could be other factors that make Sweden different in terms of cancer susceptibility and cell phone use. The causal link has not been proved.

Guess what?

These strongest-linking [cell phones-to-cancer] studies researched and published in Sweden were the very same cancer studies the FDA looked into back in 2006 to no surprise! It seems this area geographically is more likely to have a link between cell phones and radiation rather than a generalization.

So what does all of this have to do with Maine Rep. Boland?

[Wikipedia Article Follows]

In February 2009 the telecom company Bouygues Telecom was ordered to take down a mobile phone mast due to uncertainty about its effect on health. The milestone ruling by the Versailles Court of Appeal reversed the burden of proof.

The French Court stated that, "Considering that, while the reality of the risk remains hypothetical, it becomes clear from reading the contributions and scientific publications produced in debate and the divergent legislative positions taken in various countries, that uncertainty over the harmlessness of exposure to the waves emitted by relay antennas persists and can be considered serious and reasonable".

What ultimately could happen is the government extending its powers. Not whether cell phone radiation causes cancer but whether the government has the right to overstep scientific research ahead of its time. Already, the FDA holds authority to investigate such matters and regulate where needed.

Contact your local representative to voice your opinion!

Author, Matthew B.

Disclaimer: The opinions of the author, discussion, or affiliates are not necessarily the representation of AnythingForMyCell or its affiliates

Rep. Andrea Boland, D-Sanford, says numerous studies point to cancer risk.

Unfortunetly, the Senator should research such a propsal so other lawmakers or law interpreters could not and would not use such a monumental end-result (i.e. God forgid a Bill) to force companies into actions before proof.

The Senator and government should first give prudence.