The public has been speculating for years over the use of cell phones and trying to find a possible link to cancer.  Finally, the World Health Organization has released a statement regarding their findings.  They have officially placed cellular phones on a list of possible carcinogens.  Children are particularly vulnerable  to the radiation expelled from cellular phones, because their skulls have yet to fully develop.

The World Health Organization has grouped cellular phones into Group 2B, Possibly Carcinogenic.  This places cellular phones in the same list as lead, engine exhaust, coffee, welding fumes and chloroform.

Should we be worried?

Most of the experts are saying adults need not panic, but they do say it is time to pull the handset away from your head.  One tried to equate it to holding a microwave directly to the side of your head.  (Interesting choice of words there.) They all suggest adults start using a wired or Bluetooth headset to reduce exposure.

What about children?

Dr. Keith Black, chairman of neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles told CNN:

“Children’s skulls and scalps are thinner. So the radiation can penetrate deeper into the brain of children and young adults. Their cells are at a dividing faster rate, so the impact of radiation can be much larger.”

What about other devices?

Recently European leaders called for a ban of cell phones and WiFi in schools.  The committee felt the use of mobile devices and wireless networks exposed children to “potentially harmful” levels of radiation.  Similar recommendations were set back in 2007 by a different committee.

Calm down. There has been no definitive conclusion to the question as to whether or not cell phone usage will lead to brain cancer.  If there were, it would be classified as a carcinogen and not as a possible carcinogen.

In the meantime, there are two steps you can take to keep you and your family safe from this potential hazard.

• Start using a Bluetooth headset.  Sure, it makes you look crazy, but you shouldn’t be yapping on your phone in shared public places anyway!
• Take it easy when it comes to cell phones with the kids.  Put them on speaker phone with Granny and Grandpa.  It’s not like any deep, dark secrets are being told.

So, what are your thoughts on this study? Hogwash? Does it hold merit?