Mobile phones do not cause brain cancer, biggest study conducted by WHO finds

Mobile phones are not linked to brain and neck cancers, one of the biggest and most comprehensive studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), in association with the New Zealand Ministry of Health, has shown.

For years, the common notion was that mobile phones emittingradio waves, a type of non-ionising radiation, could cause brain cancer or other forms of tumours.

However, the review, which included 64 observational studies documenting the use of phones and its effect on the human body, published between 1994 and 2022 with participants from 22 countries, has stated clearly that there is no link between any type of cancer caused by mobile usage.

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“We concluded the evidence does not show a link between mobile phones and brain cancer or other head and neck cancers.”

The review looked at cancers of the brain in adults and children, as well as cancer of the pituitary gland, salivary glands and leukaemias, and risks linked to mobile phone use, base stations, or transmitters, as well as occupational exposure.

Additionally, the study clarified that there was no association with cancer even if a person used a mobile phone for 10 or more years (prolonged use). Importantly, the study shows despite the rise in the use of wireless technologies in recent years, there has been no rise in the incidence of brain cancers.

“None of the major questions studied showed increased risks," said Mark Elwood, co-author of the study and professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

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What was the previous consensus?

Notably, it was the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the WHO that classified radio wave exposure as a possible carcinogen to humans, way back in 2011.

The classification was largely based on limited evidence from human observational studies wherepeople with brain cancer reported they used a mobile phone more than they actually did.

Observational studies are used by researchers to investigate long-term health effects in humans but the results can often be biased.

After the new study results, the researchers have called forclassification to be re-evaluated as soon as possible given the new data since its last assessment in 2011.

Mobile phones, especially the modern ones, emit low-level radio waves, much below the safety limits. The study results are reassuring and should help in reducingthe myths associated with their long-term usage, the experts added.

(With inputs from agencies)