Mobile phone usage linked to cancer, reveals groundbreaking study

Study is believed to be one of the largest and most detailed analysis of mobile phones and cancers

A major study undertaken by researchers from the National Toxicology Programme has revealed there is a link between mobile phone use and cancer.

The report is a thorough peer reviewed study conducted by the US government and represents a significant development in the long-running debate over how mobile phones impact users.



Researchers exposed male rats to radio frequencies which are commonly emitted by mobile phones. Following the exposure, "low incidences" of two types of tumours were found in the animals’ brain and heart. Tumours were not found in rats not exposed to the frequencies.

The study was conducted on more than 2,500 rats at various intervals over a two year period.

In a report released alongside the study, researchers said, "Given the widespread global usage of mobile communications among users of all ages, even a very small increase in the incidence of disease resulting from exposure to [radio-frequency radiation] could have broad implications for public health.”

The study which cost the US government $25 million is believed to be one of the largest and most detailed analysis of mobile phones and cancers.



Ron Melnick, a former National Toxicology Programme researcher who reviewed the results told the Wall Street Journal: "Where people were saying there's no risk, I think this ends that kind of statement."

The scientific community has been at odds on the issue since it was first raised in the early 1990s. While former studies have also suggested a link between cancer and mobile phone use they have been critiqued for either methodology or having small sample sizes.

This article originally appeared on Independent.