Cellular Phone Use and Risk of Tumors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors: Yoon-Jung Choi, Joel M. Moskowitz, Seung-Kwon Myung, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Yun-Chul Hong

Year: 2020

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Institution: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218079

URL: http://bit.ly/cellphonetumor

Abstract

Overview

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether cellular phone usage is associated with an increased risk of tumors. This analysis utilized data from PubMed and EMBASE collected up until July 2018.

Findings

  • The meta-analysis included 46 case-control studies, examining odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
  • A significant positive correlation was found in studies by Hardell et al., suggesting a harmful effect of regular cellular phone use (OR, 1.15; CI, 1.00 to 1.33; n=10).
  • Conversely, INTERPHONE-related studies showed a beneficial effect (OR, 0.81; CI, 0.75 to 0.89; n=9).
  • High cumulative call time (>1000 hours) was found to significantly increase tumor risk.

Conclusion

Significant evidence was found linking cellular phone use with an increased risk of tumors, particularly in users with a cumulative phone use of more than 1000 hours. This challenges the safety of long-term and extensive cell phone use, underlining the need for prospective studies to further confirm these findings.

This research emphasizes the potential dangers of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields from cell phones, advocating for public caution and stricter safety regulations.

cellular phones tumor risk meta-analysis case-control studies electromagnetic fields health risks
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