Medical Can a cellphone in your pocket cause cancer?

[DeuteriumDude]

My mother has suggested that I quit carrying my cellphone in my pocket, because having it sit there all day by my leg could lead to a tumor. I can't say how plausible this is, so what better place to ask than PF? Again, my question is whether merely carrying your phone in your pocket could cause cancer. Thanks!

 

[Evo]

My mother has suggested that I quit carrying my cellphone in my pocket, because having it sit there all day by my leg could lead to a tumor. I can't say how plausible this is, so what better place to ask than PF? Again, my question is whether merely carrying your phone in your pocket could cause cancer. Thanks!

The answer is no.

 

[DeuteriumDude]

Thanks! So is it just not enough rems to do significant damage? I believe you, I'd just like to be able to explain to people why it's not dangerous.

 

[DaveC426913]

The answer is no.

We don't dispense medical advice here because of the liability issues. In a similar vein, are you sure you're comfortable taking responsibilty for DeuteriumDude's health?

I suppose this could be generalized and bumped to Feedback Forums.

 

[nismaratwork]

We don't dispense medical advice here because of the liability issues. In a similar vein, are you sure you're comfortable taking responsibilty for DeuteriumDude's health?

I suppose this could be generalized and bumped to Feedback Forums.

The answer is still no.

 

[Evo]

We don't dispense medical advice here because of the liability issues. In a similar vein, are you sure you're comfortable taking responsibilty for DeuteriumDude's health?

You're right. Ok, here's the current official consensus on wireless and cordless use.

HOW SAFE ARE MOBILE AND PORTABLE PHONES?

In recent years, publicity, speculation, and concern over claims of possible health effects due to RF emissions from hand-held wireless telephones prompted various research programs to investigate whether there is any risk to users of these devices There is no scientific evidence to date that proves that wireless phone usage can lead to cancer or a variety of other health effects, including headaches, dizziness or memory loss. However, studies are ongoing and key government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to monitor the results of the latest scientific research on these topics. Also, as noted above, the World Health Organization has established an ongoing program to monitor research in this area and make recommendations related to the safety of mobile phones.

The FDA, which has primary jurisdiction for investigating mobile phone safety, has stated that it cannot rule out the possibility of risk, but if such a risk exists, "it is probably small." Further, it has stated that, while there is no proof that cellular telephones can be harmful, concerned individuals can take various precautionary actions, including limiting conversations on hand-held cellular telephones and making greater use of telephones with hands-free kits where there is a greater separation distance between the user and the radiating antenna. The Web site for the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health provides further information on mobile phone safety: www.fda.gov/cellphones/[/URL]. [/quote]

[URL]http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html[/URL]

 

[Monique]

To date there is no scientifically published research that definitively proves that cell phone use increases the risk of developing a tumor.

 

[DeuteriumDude]

Thanks everyone. Hope I haven't started an argument. I know now that there isn't much empirical evidence that cellphones can cause cancer. But I guess when I first posted this, I was thinking someone might happen to know how to calculate the radiation in rad or rem and be able to show that either this amount is harmful or is not harmful.

I appreciate Evo's response, and don't worry, I certainly take responsibility for my own health.

 

[russ_watters]

Since science does not deal in absolutes nor proofs of negatives, this standard disclaimer should always be assumed to apply, without the need to always repeat it.

 

[Evo]

Thanks everyone. Hope I haven't started an argument. I know now that there isn't much empirical evidence that cellphones can cause cancer. But I guess when I first posted this, I was thinking someone might happen to know how to calculate the radiation in rad or rem and be able to show that either this amount is harmful or is not harmful.

I appreciate Evo's response, and don't worry, I certainly take responsibility for my own health.

There is a lot of information at the link I posted. You might find what you are looking for. Jut start at the top.

 

[CRGreathouse]

To date there is no published scientific research that proves that cell phone use decreases the risk of developing a tumor.

 

[SW VandeCarr]

To date there is no published scientific research that proves that cell phone use decreases the risk of developing a tumor.

That's an interesting way to put it! (Bold type mine.)