Can Cellphone Radiofrequency Energy Cause Cancer?

When microwaves first came out many people were worried that they would give us cancer. Now many of us carry cell phones and there is concern that injury from radiation is making many sick.

Of course, some dismiss these concerns as absurd. But there is something to the worry -- and it's more than just resistance to change. The National Institute of Health's (NIH) National Cancer Institute addresses cell phone radiation and the cancer connection.

3 Reasons for Concern

According to the government, the three main reasons for concern that cell phones could cause cancer are as follows:

1. Cell phones emit radio waves, or radiofrequency energy, and tissues nearest to where mobile phones are held can absorb this energy.
2. Cell phone use has increased dramatically and rapidly and continues to do so each year. There are billions of cell phone users throughout the world, according to the International Telecommunications Union.
3. Exposure to potential harmful energy is increasing with time as cell phones are used more widely for longer periods.

Radiofrequency Impact on Bodies

Radiofrequency energy is a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which is known to increase the risk of cancer when used in radiation therapy. But the government points out that the study of non-ionizing radiation and its impact on people has not yet yielded any consistent results and "there is currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk."

"It is generally accepted that damage to DNA is necessary for cancer to develop," according to the NIH. "However, radiofrequency energy, unlike ionizing radiation, does not cause DNA damage in cells, and it has not been found to cause cancer in animals or to enhance the cancer-causing effects of known chemical carcinogens in animals."

Now What?

According to attorneys filing suits on behalf of plaintiffs, however, there is plenty of evidence of the negative effects of radiofrequency energy. "We now have opinions and testimony from prominent scientific experts that will be admissible and support our clients' claims that cell phone radiation can cause brain tumors in humans, Jeffrey B. Morganroth told Radiation Safety.

Radiation Safety is an organization founded in 1998 by John Coates, who lost his newborn daughter to radiation-related disease. The site reveals that there are more than a dozen suits pending in American courts, all of which explore the possibility that our increasing reliance on beloved smart-phones might be slightly stupid.

Consult With Counsel

If you or someone you know is ill or injured -- whether cell-phone related or not -- speak to an attorney and have your potential claim assessed. Many personal injury attorneys consult for free or no fee.

Related Resources:

• Have an injury claim? Get your claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
• Can I Sue if I Get Cancer From Bacon (FindLaw's Injured)
• Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act: Overview (FindLaw)