Webster's Dictionary defines denial as "an assertion that something is not true/a refusal to
acknowledge, disavowal". I wonder how long authorities in the Western world can maintain this state. Yet again, another published study has associated use of cellular phones, and cordless ones as well, with increased risk of brain tumours. Professor Lennart Hardell's Swedish study showed that people who used their cell phone for more than 2,000 hours increased their risk of malignant tumours by 240%. [1]

Earlier this year, the same group produced another study showing benign tumour risk [acoustic neuromas] doubled for people who used cell phones for over 10 years, similar to another study published in 2004. This is particularly troubling because this type of tumour is a marker tumour for malignant and benign tumours to come, according to Dr. George Carlo, the scientist who ran the U.S. wireless industry's 6 year U.S. $28.5 million study in the 90s [WTR-Wireless Technology Research]. Of special concern were those who started using digital cell and cordless phones under age 20.

Dr. Carlo said recently that their surveys showed that teens in Buffalo, New York averaged 2,600 minutes a MONTH on a cell phone. The average U.S. adult uses 1,000 minutes. Studies under WTR showed that usage of 500 minutes per month doubled the risk of brain and eye tumours. Last year there were 30,000 cases of brain and eye tumours directly related to cell phone use.

This year there should be 50-75,000 new cases, says Carlo. It is predicted that by 2010 there could be 500,000 new cases. As young people's brains are still developing, and with their usage minutes being larger, they will represent a disproportionate percentage of this epidemic. Indeed, Dr. Carlo fears that mankind will "lose a generation".

It's not just brain tumours that are a concern. At least half a dozen studies have shown that radio frequency radiation, like that emitted by a cell phone, causes our blood brain barrier to leak. This barrier is the brain's defense against toxins in the blood. Leakage through the blood brain barrier can lead to neurological problems like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. [2]

Interestingly, in the '90s various media sources reported that the Disney company refused $2 million annually to license its characters to the mobile phone industry because of health concerns. Disney, according to newspapers including the Vancouver Sun, recently announced that it plans to start selling its phones in June, after signing a $2 billion contract with Sprint. Its target market is 10-15 year olds and their parents.

A major study in the U.K. a few years ago, The Sir William Stewart Report, recommended that children under 16 not use cell phones because of the potential adverse effects on their developing brains. I wonder what Walt would think?

Rogers is marketing the "Firefly" to children, stressing safety to parents and fun to children. For $20 per month, your child can talk for 50 weekday minutes and 1,000 evening and weekend minutes. $40 a month gets your child 350 minutes and unlimited evening and weekend calling. I understand wanting to keep children safe, but this is false logic when available science is considered.

It was also just announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would review wireless phone safety because of the publication of this recent study. The FDA has been saying the same thing for years and has done… well, it would appear, absolutely nothing. Here, the B.C. Center for Disease Control confirmed in an email that it keeps no documentation on reports of adverse health effects relating to cell phones or cordless phones. Evidently no record means no problem.

So, who is looking out for you? Nobody that I can see, so I recommend that you look out
for yourself. There are three approaches to self help. Avoid exposure to cordless or cell
phones [use a land line wherever possible], minimize exposure by using a speakerphone or headset that has an air tube, or use products to mitigate the health effects. The only organization in North America which is documenting adverse health effects of cell phones is the Safe Wireless Initiative [www.safewireless.org]. Contact them to report any adverse effects.

[1] Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 2006, March 16 Hardell L, Carlsberg M, Hanson Mild K.
[2] www.microwavenews.com

HANS Consultant and member Milt Bowling is President of the Clean Energy Foundation www.cleanenergycanada.com.