Mobile Phones 'Could Increase Cancer Risk'

Mobile phone use could increase the risk of brain cancer, experts from the World Health Organisation have warned.

Scientists have classified handsets as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" - and advised people to use hands-free devices or text instead of calling.

The classification came after the WHO working group concluded radiofrequency electromagnetic fields associated with handsets potentially heightened the chances of suffering glioma, a malignant form of the disease.

The WHO had previously said there was no established evidence for a link between cell phone use and cancer.

A week-long meeting of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) group featured 31 scientists from 14 countries in Lyon, France.

The agency said the five billion mobile phone subscriptions around the world would increase, particularly among young adults and children.

Jonathan Samet, chairman of the working group, said: "The evidence, while still accumulating, is strong enough to support a conclusion and the classification."

The scientist, from the University of Southern California, added: "The conclusion means that there could be some risk, and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk."

IARC director Christopher Wild advised mobile phone users to use hands-free devices or text instead of call to reduce risk while more research is done.

"Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings, it is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones," he said.

"Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure, such as hands-free devices or texting."

The international working group reached its conclusion after discussing and evaluating available literature on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and exposure to wireless telephones.

It did not quantify the risk but referred to a previous study (up to 2004), which showed a 40% increased risk for gliomas for those who used their phones for an average of 30 minutes a day over a 10-year period.