Last May, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the USA issued a preliminary report on a study that produced unexpected results on mobile phone safety.

The study, which exposed rodents to microwave radiation from mobile phones, was conducted over a number of years. It is the largest of its kind and cost $25 million. The results caused quite a stir in the mobile phone world. Exposing rats to long-term mobile phone radiation caused an increase in the incidence of malignant tumours in the brain and the heart. 

The cancer types, glioma and schwannoma, are the same as those found in the brains of people who, according to some studies, use mobile phones for long periods of time. The study also found DNA damage in brain cells. Damage to DNA is the first step in the potential development of tumours.

The results support the decision of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which, in May 2011, classified wireless radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. 

Following the issue of the NTP preliminary report, the American Academy of Paediatrics, an organization of 66, 000 paediatricians, reinforced its recommendation to parents to limit the use of mobile phones by children and teens. Children are known to be much more vulnerable to radiation effects.

Many scientists who have conducted research on microwave radiation have been warning that the current radiation safety limits being used in many countries, including Malta, are out of touch with reality and they are asking for a major revision to take into account recent findings. Their concerns are not only limited to mobile phones but also to other devices that emit microwaves continuously even when not being used, such as Wi-Fi modems and mobile phone base station antennas on roofs.

It is evident that it is time this health hazard is seriously taken into consideration and action needs to be taken by the responsible authorities in Malta to protect the public, especially children, from excessive radiation exposure.

 

Louis Gatt

St Julian’s