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| - Last Updated on October 7, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that mobile phones cause brain cancer due to 5G radiation. We fact checked the claim and found it to be Mostly False.
The Claim
An Instagram video alleges that mobile phone use can lead to brain cancer, specifically blaming 5G radiation. It also claims that any phone with a SAR value higher than 1.6 W/kg poses a significant health risk.
Fact Check
Does mobile phone usage cause brain cancer?
Not really, the evidence is not strong and still inconclusive. As of now, all the major health organisations do not support the claim that mobile phones can cause cancer or specifically brain cancer. The claim that mobile phones cause brain cancer has been a long-debated topic, but current scientific evidence does not support a direct link between mobile phone use and brain cancer.
In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organisation, designated radiofrequency (RF) waves emitted by mobile phones as “possibly carcinogenic” and classified them as Group 2B. This classification was based on limited evidence suggesting a potential connection between long-term mobile phone use (e.g., 30 minutes per day for 10 years) and glioma, a type of brain cancer. However, this does not mean mobile phones definitely cause cancer. It simply indicates that some evidence exists, but it’s not enough to confirm a strong, direct link.
Recent studies
Several large studies have investigated this issue, and the results have been mostly inconclusive or weak:
- A 2023 study from Taiwan found a slight increase in brain cancer cases as mobile phone use grew, but the link was weak. Moreover, the researchers called for more strong studies to confirm any significant risk or definite causal relationship.
- In a review from 2020, some studies showed a higher tumour risk from mobile phone use, while others didn’t. Hardell’s research found a 15% increased risk, while INTERPHONE studies showed a 19% decrease, possibly due to flaws in methodology. Long-term phone users (over 1,000 hours) had a 60% increased tumour risk. While heating is the main biological effect recognised, some studies also suggested potential DNA damage. Results across studies remain inconsistent, with mobile phone industry funding raising concerns about bias. More research is needed to confirm these risks.
- In a 2022 study of over 1.3 million women, researchers found no increased risk of brain cancer, even after 14 years of mobile phone use.
- Similarly, a 2021 Canadian study found no rise in glioma cases despite the widespread increase in mobile phone use.
- The INTERPHONE study—the largest case-control study across 13 countries—also found no strong link between mobile phone use and brain tumours overall. However, it noted a potential slight risk for the heaviest users.
We reached out to oncologists to gain some insight into mobile phone use and brain cancer association.
Dr Akanksha Chhabra, Medical Oncologist, Max Healthcare, New Delhi, states, “While concerns about mobile phone usage remain, it’s essential to consider the current evidence. The studies show inconsistent results regarding a direct link between mobile phones and cancer. Ongoing research is critical to understanding any long-term effects. Until then, maintaining a balanced perspective is vital.”
Dr Pooja Khullar, Radiation Oncologist, Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, says, “Cell phones emit radiation in the radiofrequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Second-, third-, and fourth-generation cell phones (2G, 3G, 4G) emit radiofrequency in the range of 0.7–2.7 GHz, while fifth-generation (5G) phones are anticipated to use frequencies up to 80 GHz. Cell phones emit radiation in the form of radiofrequency radiation (RFR or radio waves), and their use is widespread. These frequencies fall in the non-ionising range of the spectrum, which is low frequency and low energy. This energy is too low to damage DNA.”
Dr Khullar adds, “In contrast, ionising radiation, such as x-rays, radon, and cosmic rays, is high frequency and high energy. Ionising radiation can damage DNA, and DNA damage can cause gene changes that may increase cancer risk. However, current evidence suggests that cell phone use does not cause brain or other types of cancer in humans.”
Similar to this, there have been posts which claim mobile phone use can affect vision and that the smartphone vision syndrome can cause blindness. But, these are just allegations and have not been proven.
As we examine the potential health risks associated with mobile phone use, it’s also important to consider how nutrient deficiencies can impact our overall well-being and even trigger food cravings.
What are the concerns about RF waves emitted by mobile phones?
Mobile phones emit radiofrequency waves, which have been a point of concern because they’re held close to the head. The RF waves can penetrate the brain, leading some to believe that frequent phone use could lead to tumours. However, RF waves emitted by mobile phones don’t have enough energy to damage DNA directly. Also, it’s unclear how they could cause cancer. Studies in animals exposed to RF radiation show mixed results, with some reporting slight increases in certain types of tumours. However, these findings have not been consistent or conclusive enough to establish a clear risk in humans.
What are the health risks associated with SAR value?
The post also mentions the SAR value exceeding 1.6 W/kg as dangerous. SAR measures the rate at which the body absorbs RF energy. Regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Communications (GoI) have set SAR limits to ensure safety. While it’s true that phones must adhere to SAR limits (below 1.6 W/kg in India), a phone with a slightly higher SAR value does not necessarily pose a cancer risk. SAR values keep RF exposure within safe limits, but no study conclusively shows that higher SAR values lead to cancer. We have also seen claims which say that AirPods can cause brain cancer. But, this is also not true.
THIP Media Take
There is no strong evidence that mobile phones cause brain cancer. Some studies suggest a possible risk for heavy users, but most recent research does not confirm a clear link. Health organisations like the WHO classify mobile phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic,” but this is based on limited evidence. Claims about 5G radiation causing brain cancer or that SAR values above 1.6 W/kg are inherently dangerous are not accurate.
For those concerned, using hands-free devices or texting can reduce direct exposure to RF waves. However, for general mobile phone use, there is no need to change your phone based on SAR values alone.
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