WHO Report—Cell Phone Usage Can Lead to Cancer

Photo Credit: Cell Phones & Cancer

The WHO now says Radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer. Tuesday, May 31st, the World Health Organization (WHO) now lists mobile phone use in the same "carcinogenic hazard" category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. According to an article published by CNN, “A team of 31 scientists from 14 countries, including the United States, made the decision after reviewing peer-reviewed studies on cell phone safety. The team found enough evidence to categorize personal exposure as possibly carcinogenic to humans. What that means is they found some evidence of increase in glioma and acoustic neuroma brain cancer for mobile phone users, but have not been able to draw conclusions for other types of cancers.”

"The biggest problem we have is that we know most environmental factors take several decades of exposure before we really see the consequences," said Dr. Keith Black, chairman of neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. In addition, Dr. Black expressed concern for children. "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," said Dr. Black.

"When you look at cancer development -- particularly brain cancer -- it takes a long time to develop. I think it is a good idea to give the public some sort of warning that long-term exposure to radiation from your cell phone could possibly cause cancer," said Dr. Henry Lai, research professor in bioengineering at University of Washington who has studied radiation for more than 30 years.

To see the CNN video on the WHO report, click WHO: Cell phone use can increase possible cancer risk - CNN.com

So which phones are the worst culprits, and which cell phones are the “best” to use? CNET Reviews gave us an updated list of best and worst phones.

20 highest-radiation cell phones (United States)
Editors' note: When a phone is discontinued by a manufacturer or a carrier, it will be removed from this chart.

Rank	Model	SAR (digital)
1	Motorola Bravo	1.59
2	Motorola Droid 2 Global	1.58
3	Sony Ericsson Satio (Idou)	1.56
4	Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro	1.55
4a	Kyocera Jax S1300	1.55
6	Motorola i335	1.53
7	Nokia Astound	1.53
8	Motorola Defy	1.52
8a	Motorola Grasp	1.52
8b	ZTE Salute	1.52
11	LG Rumor 2	1.51
12	Motorola Droid	1.49
12a	Sanyo Vero	1.49
12b	Motorola Droid 2	1.49
15	HTC Desire	1.48
16	LG Chocolate Touch	1.47
16a	Motorola Atrix 4G	1.47
18	Kyocera Wild Card M1000	1.46
19	Kyocera X-tc	1.45
20	Motorola i576	1.45

20 lowest-radiation cell phones (United States)
Editors' note: When a phone is discontinued by a manufacturer or a carrier, it will be removed from this chart.

Rank	Model	SAR (digital)
1	Samsung Blue Earth	0.196
2	Samsung Infuse 4G	0.2
3	Samsung Acclaim	0.29
4	Samsung Replenish	0.3
5	Huawei Ideos X5	0.34
5a	T-Mobile Sidekick 4G	0.34
7	LG Quantum	0.35
8	Samsung Haven	0.41
8a	Samsung Evergreen	0.41
10	Samsung Captivate	0.42
11	Samsung Smiley	0.43
12	HTC Surround	0.439
13	Doro PhoneEasy 410	0.445
14	Motorola Devour	0.45
14a	Motorola i890	0.45
16	Kyocera Neo E1100	0.479
17	Samsung Contour	0.49
18	HTC Imagio	0.498
19	Motorola Flipside	0.5
20	Samsung Flight SGH-A797	0.505

Is your phone listed? Are you concerned or are you a fatalist? A good way to minimize the radiation is to use a Bluetooth device. I am particularly fond of the NoiseHush N500 Bluetooth Headsets. It comes in 7 different colors and is affordable at just under $25. If you don’t like having a Bluetooth in your ear, another option is a Bluetooth Handsfree Visor Kit. I have the Droid X Smartphone and love it but since it is so large (4.3 inch screen), it makes it awkward to hold us to use as a phone. I use my Bluetooth for most of my calls. Not only am I avoiding extra radiation, but I have my hands free to multi-task.

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