Cell Phone Use Leads to Brain Tumors

Wide concerns have been raised that the use of cell phones could increase brain tumors. This paper systematically reviews the scientific evidence regarding the associations between cell phone use and brain tumors. The authors’ review suggests two conclusions. First, it is still controversial in regard with the significant associations between cell phone use and increased risk of brain tumors. Second, there exists extensive evidence that the amount of exposure to cell phone radiation plays a key role in determining the significant associations between cell phone use and gliomas, acoustic neuroma, and meningiomas. In general, those who use cell phones for more than ten years, using cell phones more than 20 minutes per day, or cumulative call time for more than 700 hours, or RF-EMF absorption for more than 3000 joules/kg have higher risks to develop brain tumors, whereas those who use cell phones for less than one year have lower risks. DOI: 10.4018/ijcbpl.2012070103 International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning, 2(3), 30-38, July-September 2012 31 Copyright © 2012, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. phone radiation and might have a higher risk of developing brain tumors. Cell Phone Radiation Cell phones emit a special type of radiation concerning radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) in the microwave range (Corle et al., 2012; Feychting, Ahlbom, & Kheifets, 2005). RF-EMF is the combination of the electric field and magnetic field. When an electric current flows in a conductor, like an antenna or a circuit inside the cell phone, it generates RF-EMF. RF-EMF is strongest at the source and weakens exponentially in regard to the distance from the source. It belongs to non-ionizing radiation, which means not having sufficient energy to ionize an atom. RF-EMF has enough energy to change the rotational, vibrational, or electronic valence configurations of molecules and atoms. When a person uses a cell phone, RF-EMF is highly concentrated on the temporal lobe, an important brain region dealing with auditory perception and memory, on both sides of head near ears, especially the same side of head with a cell phone use (i.e., ipsilateral). Hence, cell phone use is considered having a higher risk of absorption of RF-EMF than radio, television, and computer use because cell phone is close to one’s head (Corle et al., 2012). Specific absorption rate (SAR) is used to measure the rate at which cell phone radiation is absorbed by the human body (FCC Encyclopedia, n.d.; Mobile Phones UK, n.d.). Many countries have set maximum levels for cell phones. In the U.S.A., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set a SAR limit of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6W/kg), averaged over a volume of 1 gram of tissue for the head. In Europe, the limit is set to be 2 W/kg, averaged over a volume of 10 grams of tissue for the head.