Cell phones more dangerous than cigarettes!

I
In March of this year, Dr Vini G. Khurana, an Australian Neurosurgeon, made news headlines declaring that, based on his research of the literature, the long-term use of cell phones was leading to brain tumors and was more dangerous to health than smoking cigarettes [13]. The relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields (ELFs) and brain tumor incidence has long been a subject of concern and research in the neurosciences and oncology. However, until this last year, most studies have failed to show a clear relationship between cell phone use and brain tumors [17]. Then in April of 2007, Lennart Hardell, a professor of oncology and cancer epidemiology at the University Hospital in Orebro, Sweden, along with 4 other authors published an article using casecontrolled and cohort studies that clearly demonstrates that the use of cell phones for 10 years or more is associated with an increased risk for the development of glioma and acoustic neuroma ipsilateral to the side where the phone was used [3]. Subsequently, in April of this year, the same authors published a meta-analysis of several studies on the topic and also concluded that there is a positive relationship between long-term cell phone use and ipsilateral glioma and acoustic neuroma [4]. Needless to say, such findings are alarming. Cell phones are ubiquitous in our society, and the numbers and use of such devices have increased exponentially since being introduced in the mid-1980s. Furthermore, cell phone use by teenagers and even preteens has also grown to become commonplace. Obviously, exposure to ELF by cell phone use in the young might even pose a greater threat because the changes caused by such exposure might well be greater in the developing brain. However, it does not end there. Other reports by Hardell et al indicate that the use of wireless handsets in cordless home phones poses the same risk as cell phones [5,6]. It should be true, if the forgoing findings are accurate, that there has been an increase in the incidence of brain tumors over the last 25 years or so. There are a number of published reports on the topic indicating a definite increase in the
incidence of brain tumors, particularly malign ant forms such as glioblastoma multiforme [1,2,7,8,14,16]. Although some studies indicate a stable tumor rate [9] including during the years after cell phone introduction [15]. An increase in nerve sheath tumors has also been reported [8]. The statistical
increase of tumors found in these studies are somewhat modified, in some authors' opinions, because of the improved technology of diagnostic imaging, especially computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, both introduced and advanced in the same era [1,14].
However, the fact is that the incidence of gliomas, especially the more malignant varieties, is increasing based on the now numerous reports warrants action on the issue. Hardell and his colleagues, along with other scientists, have formed the Bioinitiative Working Group [11], which appears to be a spin-off of another group, the Bioelectromagnetics Society [10]. The mission of the Bioelectromagnetics Society, as posted on their Web site, is to be the international resource for excellence in scientific research, knowledge, and understanding of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with biological systems.
The Bioinitiative Group has produced a report called: “A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF ((Radio Frequency)))” [12]. In that report, evidence for childhood leukemia caused by exposure to power lines is addressed as well as the issue of gliomas and acoustic neuromas caused by cell phone and cordless phone use. They state, “In summary we conclude that our review yielded a consistent pattern of an increased risk for acoustic neuroma and glioma after 10 (or more) years mobile phone use.We conclude that (the) current standard for exposure to microwaves during mobile phone use is not safe for long-term brain tumor risk and needs to be revised” [12].
The report further states, “The existing FCC and international limits for public and occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation are not protective of public health. New biologically based public and occupational exposures are recommended to address bioeffects and potential adverse health effects of chronic exposure. These effects are now widely reported to occur at exposure levels significantly below most current national and international limits” [12].
It therefore behests our scientific societies to address this issue. There is one caveat; that is, only one group, Hardell et al, have carried out actual studies pertaining to the issue and found a clear relationship between brain tumors and ELF. No other long-term studies have been carried out; Dr Khurana's warning is based on a review of literature only. It seems that a cooperative effort by both the scientific community and state governing bodies will be needed. Some spearhead is now necessary in view of the magnitude and seriousness of the situation. (by Ron Pawl, MD Center for Pain Treatment and Rehabilitation ,Lake Forest Hospital
Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA Surgical Neurology 70 (2008) 445–446
http://www.surgicalneurology-online.com/
Available online at http://www.sciencedirect.com/

II
http://www.bioinitiative.org/ (on August 31, 2007) : A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF)
The existing public safety limits are inadequate to protect public health.The report documents scientific evidence raising worries about childhood leukemia (from power lines and other electrical exposures), brain tumors and acoustic neuromas (from cell and cordless phones) and Alzheimer’s disease.Brain tumor specialist Dr. Lennart Hardell, MD, PhD and Professor at University Hospital in Orebro, Sweden is a member of the BioInitiative Working Group :“The evidence for risks from prolonged cell phone and cordless phone use is quite strong when you look at people who have used these devices for 10 years or longer, and when they are used mainly on one side of the head".

III
Cell Phones Could Be More Dangerous Than Cigarettes
Monday, March 31, 2008(FOX NEWS) by Geoffrey Lean
IV
Sunday, 30 March 2008 (THE INDEPENDENT):<>
V
Largest study of mobile phone safety finds no risk <>Health EditorThursday, 13 September 2007 (THE INDEPENDENT)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
000
Coming soon: Smoking protect against cell phones (available online at Neurosurgeon Shaman)
1 december 2010