from more than 50 years since the advent of the mobile phone the question comes back with insistence. Does smartphone use increase cancer risk? This device, which we never take off all day, placed in our pocket or stuck to our ear, emits a certain class of electromagnetic waves called “radio frequency”. Could prolonged exposure to these waves be carcinogenic to humans?
The World Health Organization (WHO) finally closes the file, answering in the negative.
A study she commissioned found no link between cell phone use and brain cancer, even among people who were in constant contact with the object of their addiction.
5,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies
To reach this conclusion, eleven experts from ten countries reviewed scientific research on the topic spanning several decades, according to The Wall Street Journal which discloses this information. They looked at 5,000 studies published between 1994 and 2022, focusing on 63 of them for their final analysis.
After reading this extensive documentation, they found that the risk of brain cancer did not increase even with long-term phone use.
The results do not change whether people spend a lot of time on their smartphone or users make a lot of calls. Likewise, they found no increased risk of leukemia or brain cancer in children.
Initial study ‘slightly biased’
The WSJ recalls that the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a WHO agency, classified exposure to radio waves as potentially carcinogenic to humans in 2011. “based on limited evidence from observational studies. » Smartphones, just like Wi-Fi networks or GPS, use these waves to transmit calls or data.
One of the study’s authors, Ken Karipidis, believes that the original research may be ” somewhat addicted » because they compared patients with brain cancer to others who did not.
But a sick man wants to know why he has this brain tumor and tends to overestimate his exposure “. Studies with more complete cohorts “ did not show these kinds of associations », assesses the expert interviewed by WSJ.
4G less “radioactive”
Relay antennas that transmit phone calls and text messages using the same radio waves also pose no danger.
New generation mobile networks, such as 4G, even produce radio frequency emissions. significantly weaker » from older mobile phone standards.
“There are no serious studies yet on 5G networks, but research on radars that have similar high frequencies shows no increased risk said Mark Ellwood, another co-author of the study.
Increasing the number of cell towers reduces the amount of radiation
Although it may seem counterintuitive, increasing the number of cell towers reduces the amount of radiation emitted by cell phones because they need less to transmit the signal.
Another expert cited by US media noted that concerns about the health effects of a new technology increase when it is widely or rapidly adopted.
He gives, for example, the conspiracy theory that 5G antennas are spreading Covid-19 through the airwaves.
Some recommendations though
Despite this removal of doubt, the National Institute of Cancer (INC) in France recalls on its website the recommendations health authorities to limit our exposure to radio frequencies. This includes using a hands-free kit or avoiding long calls.
Calling in areas with poor reception (in the subway, in a parking lot, etc.) or in high-speed traffic also increases transmission power. Finally, it is advisable to regulate the use of mobile phones among children.
“If the health effects are revealed one day, young people may be more sensitive to them than adults.”before l’INC. PAlso, once they reach adulthood, they will be exposed longer to the electromagnetic fields emitted by these phones. » If we fail, excessive exposure to screens causing harmful effects on the physical (sedentary lifestyle) and mental health of our dear children.
