60 Minutes (Nine) and Lateline (ABC) have recently highlighted claims of some scientists and neurosurgeons – which both programs acknowledged were at odds with the weight of scientific evidence of independent expert bodies - that mobile phone use is allegedly linked to brain cancer.

Media speculation and stories suggesting a possible link between mobile phones and cancer naturally raises public concerns. The mobile phone industry relies on the expert advice from national and international health agencies on mobile phone safety.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies conduct ongoing reviews into mobile phones, base stations and health looking at all of the available scientific research.

Specifically on mobile phones and health, the WHO says:

"…the overall evidence available to date does not suggest that the use of mobile phones has any detrimental effect on human health" http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/index3.html

The most recent update was from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, which says:

"With reference to radio frequency, available data do not show any excess risk of brain cancer and other neoplasms associated with the use of mobile phones" (IARC World Cancer Report 2008)

A neurosurgeon on 60 Minutes last night claimed that there had been an “exponential rise” in brain cancer. This statement is at odds with the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

According to the IARC World Cancer Report 2008, the incidence of brain tumours since the introduction of widespread mobile phone use has remained relatively stable:

“After 1983 and more recently during the period of increasing prevalence of mobile phone users, the incidence has remained relatively stable for both men and women.” (IARC World Cancer Report 2008 P461)

The International safety guidelines for mobile phones are designed to protect people of all ages including children, and incorporate large safety factors. However, recognizing that some parents may be concerned about mobile phone usage by children, the WHO advises the following:

“Present scientific evidence does not indicate the need for any special precautions for the use of mobile phones. If individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children’s RF exposure by limiting the length of calls, or by using ‘hands-free’ devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body.”

AMTA takes all aspects of mobile phone safety very seriously and supports ongoing research into this important area.

Further information is available from the World Health Organization, EMF Explained.info, and AMTA’s web site