Mobile phones don’t cause cancer

A new study from Denmark has shown that mobile phones do not increase the risk of cancer in the head or neck. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute looked at data as far back as 1982 when the first mobile phones were introduced. Examining the call records (and not just the recollections) of 420,000 people - including 56,000 who have been using mobile phones for over 10 years - the researchers found no increase in the incidence of tumours in the brain, eye, salivary gland or leukaemia.

However, just because yet another study has found no link between phones and ill-health does not mean that fears relating to phones, and phone masts, will go away. The idea of invisible radiation messing with the sensitive workings of our bodies blends fears of technology with an increasing obsession with our health as the one last thing we can rely on in this messed-up world. In fact, the signs are that such fears are spreading to other technologies like wi-fi (see Don't panic: wi-fi fears).

In relation to the panic about phones, the precautionary nature of government advice tends to undermine the clear evidence that phones are both harmless and extremely useful. In Britain, the Stewart report found no reason to worry about mobile use - then foolishly suggested that children should limit their use just in case. While factual rebuttals of scare stories are very important, it is crucial for those in positions of leadership to be clear and unequivocal in their advice at a time when other trends in society tend to magnify risks and exaggerate our vulnerability.

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spiked-issue: Mobile phones