"The safety of cell phones has been called into question, again. This
time the scientific community is paying very close attention. Last
summer neurosurgeon Leif Salford and colleagues at Lund University in
Sweden published data showing for the first time an unambiguous link
between microwave radiation emitted by GSM mobile phones (the most
common type worldwide) and brain damage in rats. If Salford's results
are confirmed by follow-up studies in the works at research facilities
worldwide, including one run by the U.S. Air Force, the data could have
serious implications for the one billion-plus people glued to their cell
phones. The findings have re-ignited a longstanding debate among
scientists and cell phone manufacturers over cell phone safety.
"Many of the hundreds of studies performed during the past decade suggest
cell phone use may cause a host of adverse effects, including headaches
and memory loss. Other studies, however, have shown no such effects, and
no scientific consensus exists about the effect of long-term, low-level
radiation on the brain and other organs. A comprehensive $12 million
federal investigation of cell phone safety is currently under way but
will take at least five years to complete. .....
"Salford is the first to admit that it's too early to draw any
conclusions, but contends the unusual results deserve a closer look.
"The cellphone is a marvelous invention; it has probably saved
thousands of lives," he says. "But governments and suppliers should be
supporting more autonomous research." Meanwhile, Salford advises users
to invest in hands-free headsets to reduce radiation exposure to the
brain."