Ronald H. Herberman, M.D., director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, sent a memo recently to students and faculty members at the university urging everyone to limit their cell phone use to avoid increasing their risk of developing cancer.
Herberman believes that a solid connection between cell phone use and cancer is years away, but he still cautions people to keep their cell phone use to a minimum to decrease the risk of future health complications, including brain cancer.
“We shouldn’t wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later,” he said in an article on Blogger News Network.
In his memo, Herberman stressed the importance of keeping cell phones away from the head and using the speakerphone or hands-free speaker when possible. Cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation, which some scientists claim can lead to cancerous brain tumors. He also stated that children should restrict their cell phone use to emergencies only, as their brains are still developing.
Devra Lee Davis, M.D., director of the university’s Center for Environmental Oncology, agreed with Herberman’s warnings.
For details on Herberman's recommendations, see the article “Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Expert Says ‘Yes.'”
For more information on the dangers of cell phones use, see my article "Is Your Cell Phone Safe?"
