It has been previously stated many times, that cell phone usage could be a contributing cause to cancer. But, those statements have mostly been dismissed by medical professionals as hearsay. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released the results of some preliminary studies that say otherwise.
Just this week, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced that it has classified cell phone radiation as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," based on an increased risk for a malignant type of brain cancer associated with mobile phone use. The IARC is a part of WHO, and it's main purpose is to research the causes of human cancer and try to find strategies for prevention and control of it.
Their research also identified an association between cell phone use, salivary gland tumors, and a tumor of the nerve that links the ear to the brain.
For the IARC to announce these findings, should give pause to those who regularly have a cell phone at their ear. There are alternatives available via blue tooth capabilities with headsets and GPS units, etc. Although, it may require a minor inconvenience initially, the benefits outweigh the inconvenience.
In addition to the health hazards associated with holding a cell phone while using it, there are also the safety issues while operating a motor vehicle. These factors alone, should be significant enough to look for alternatives.
The Environmental Working Group has been talking about cancer and it's relationship to cell phone usage since 2009. They have a guide published on their website that addresses this very topic and provides information on specific cell phones and how much radiation is emitted from each of them.
Remember when people dismissed the Surgeon General's warning on the side of cigarette packs over 30 years ago? "May be hazardous" has been proven true in regards to tobacco and could very well be true in this situation. The questions is whether or not the public wants to wait and gamble with their lives or be proactive now, just in case.