MintJulep

Cancer chief sees cell phone risks
He will alert Pitt institute's faculty, staff to possible health effects
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
By Joe Fahy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers plans to issue an advisory to about 3,000 faculty and staff today about the possible health risks associated with cellular phone use.

"Recently I have become aware of the growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer," Dr. Ronald Herberman said in the memorandum. "Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use."

The advisory suggests certain measures to limit exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by the devices, such as shortening the length of conversations or keeping the phones away from the head by text messaging or using headsets or speaker phone options. It also recommends that children not use cell phones except in emergencies.


A child's developing organs "are the most likely to be sensitive to any possible effects of exposure," according to the document.
In an interview, Dr. Herberman said he hoped the suggestions would spread to others within Pitt and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, as well as to the general public.
He noted that other countries have recommended limits on exposure, and that in Canada, public health officials in Toronto have advised young people to limit cell phone use.

Cancer chief sees cell phone risks

Great, and to top it off I've lost my bluetooth.

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"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few that will catch your heart. Pursue those." ~unknown

cheapseats

Ten or so years ago, at a fundraiser type event for the university's laboratory elementary school at which his daughter and my son were enrolled, a UCLA neurosurgeon/parent remarked that the next American epidemic would be brain tumors, attributable to cell phone batteries and diet sodas.

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