In 2008, the $148.1 billion wireless industry had over 270 million(70 KB) subscribers in the US (87% of the population) who used over 2.2 trillion minutes(142 KB) of call time.
The radiation levels in cell phones, known as radio frequency (RF) radiation, are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Although the FCC and many other US government agencies consider cell phones to be safe when used properly, there is an accumulating amount of scientific research showing that cell phone use may cause cancer, disrupt pacemakers, decrease fertility, damage DNA, and increase the risk of traffic accidents.
According to the FCC and other government agencies, the majority of scientific studies indicate that there are no adverse health effects from cell phone use. Some scientific studies have pointed out that claims of cell phone dangers, such as cancer and driving risks, are exaggerated or based on faulty research.
We have researched pro and con arguments, facts, and studies that we could find about cell phone safety, and our findings below should help readers think critically, educate themselves, and make informed decisions on cell phone use.
Background: "Are cell phones safe?"
On Apr. 3, 1973, the world's first portable cell phone, the DynaTAC (also known as "the brick"), was introduced in the US by Dr. Martin Cooper at Motorola. The phone was a foot long, weighed two pounds, and cost $4,000. It was not until 1983 that the first commercial cell phone system was launched in Chicago by Ameritech Mobile Communications.
On Feb. 26, 1985, the first safety guidelines(127 KB) for radio frequency (RF) radiation - the type of radiation used by cell phones, cordless phones, radio, television, microwaves and wi-fi to transmit their signals - were enacted by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that people were not exposed to dangerous "thermal effects" - levels of RF that could heat human flesh to harmful levels.
RF wavelengths, unlike sound waves and the waves in the ocean, are part of the electromagnetic spectrum - meaning they move via interaction between their electric and magnetic fields. RF waves move at the speed of light (186,282 miles/second) and can penetrate solid objects such as buildings.
The RF radiation from cell phones is contained in the low end (non-ionizing portion) of the broader electromagnetic spectrum just above radio and television RF and just below microwave RF. At high exposure levels non-ionizing radiation can produce a thermal or heating effect (this is how microwaves heat food). Exposure to the high end (ionizing) radiation of X-rays and Gamma rays is known to cause cancer. Whether or not exposure to the low end (non-ionizing) spectrum causes cancer remains debated.
In 1993 concern over a possible link between brain tumors and cell phone use became a major public issue when CNN's Larry King Live show reported on a husband who had sued a cell phone manufacturer in a Florida US District Court for causing his wife's brain tumor (the case was dismissed in 1995).
On Aug. 7, 1996, the FCC exanded its guidelines on RF exposure(90 KB) with input from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The guidelines created a measure of the rate that body tissue absorbs RF energy during cell phone use called the specific absorption rate (SAR). The SAR for cell phone radiation was set at a maximum of 1.6 watts of energy absorbed per kilogram of body weight per cell phone call that averages 30 minutes and the cell phone is held at the ear. SAR levels for cell phones sold in the US range from a low of .109 watts to the maximum of 1.6 watts. Holding a cell phone away from the body while using a wired earpiece or speaker phone lowers the amount of radiation absorbed, and text messaging, rather than talking, further lowers that amount.
The FDA and the International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry (CTIA) signed a research agreement in 2000 to further investigate the health effects of cell phones. They concluded that "no association was found between exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation from cell phones and adverse health effects."
The safety concerns over cell phone radiation continued into 2001 when the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) was commissioned by Senators Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) to compile a report on the safety of cell phones. The final GAO report, "Research and Regulatory Efforts on Mobile Phone Health Issues (2.5 MB) ," issued in May of 2001 concluded that there is no scientific evidence proving that cell phone radiation has any "adverse health effects" but that more research on the topic was needed.
The $24 million multi-national study known as INTERPHONE(19 KB) was initiated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2001, and its results are expected to be released "relatively quick" according to a May 2009 press release (as of Sep. 23, 2009 the results have not been released). It is expected to provide the most definitive answer to date as to whether or not cell phones cause brain tumors.
Six states have taken legislative action to lessen the possible safety hazards of talking on a cell phone while driving. New York(96 KB) was first in 2001. Five other states (Connecticut [2005](66 KB) , California [2007](146 KB) , New Jersey [2007](12 KB) , Washington [2007](112 KB) and Oregon [2009](27 KB) ) have since passed laws prohibitingdriversfrom talking on handheld cell phones.
In July of 2008 Dr. Ronald Herberman, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, issued a warning to hospital faculty and staff(1 MB) to decrease direct cell phone exposure to the head and body due to a possible connection between cell phone radiation and brain tumors. Due to this warning, the House Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on the possible link between cell phone use and tumors(19 KB) in Sep. 2008 to learn more about the possible risks.
In 2008, the $148.1 billion wireless industry had over 270 million(70 KB) subscribers in the US (87% of the population) who used over 2.2 trillion minutes(142 KB) of call time.
In 2009, the debate surrounding the safety of cell phone use while driving was re-ignited when a Freedom of Information Act request, filed by the Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen, revealed a 2002 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(8 MB) that concluded that using a hands free device does not lessen "cognitive distraction" or make cell phone use safer while driving. The report had not been previously released.
According to some studies, the use of a cell phone can slightly decrease the risk of developing the brain tumors glioma and meningioma. [1]
Cell phone radiation, like radio, TV, and visible light radiation, is non-ionizing and cannot cause cancer. Ionizing radiation, including x-rays and ultraviolet light, produces molecules called ions that have either too many or too few electrons. Ions are known to damage DNA and cause cancer. Cell phone radiation lacks sufficient energy to add or remove electrons from molecules, and therefore it cannot ionize and cause cancer. [2]
Cell phone radiation levels are tested and certified by the manufacturer to meet the safe levels established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Random tests of phones on the market by FCC scientists further ensure that radiation levels meet FCC guidelines. [3]
Cell phones do not cause cancer or other health problems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), US Government Accountability Office (GAO), and numerous other agencies have concluded that there is no evidence in the scientific literature proving that cell phones cause brain tumors or other health problems. [4] [5]
If cell phones were causing cancer we could expect a rise in the rate of brain and other related cancers. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, there has been no increase in the incidence of brain or other nervous system cancers between the years 1987 and 2005 despite the fact that cell phone use has dramatically increased during those same years. [6]
Many activities that distract drivers are much more dangerous than talking on a phone. Research shows that cell phone use is a factor in less than 1% of accidents and that adjusting the radio or CD player, talking with passengers, or eating, and drinking while driving are all responsible for more accidents than cell phones. [7] [8]
Studies correlating head tumors and cell phone use show inconsistent results, may have been tainted by recall bias (participants not remembering how often and for how long they have used their cell phones), and have not been replicated. Most studies have not found any association between cell phone use and the development of head tumors. [9]
Cell phones increase personal safety by providing an easy means of contacting others during an emergency. According to an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) poll, 56% of people over the age of 65 cite safety as a reason they have a cell phone. [10]
Despite popular belief, it is safe for persons with a pacemaker to use a cell phone. According to the American Heart Association, the radiofrequency emissions (RF) of cell phones available in the United States do not affect pacemaker functioning during normal use. [11]
CON Cell Phones
Studies have shown an association between cell phone use and the development of glioma, a type of brain cancer. According to one meta-study there is a "consistent pattern" connecting cell phone use and the increased risk of developing brain cancer. [12]
Many studies have found that long term cell phone use increases the risk of tumors of the head. According to one Swedish study, the risk of acoustic neuroma (a tumor formation on the nerve near the ear) was greater on the side of the head that the cell phone was held. [13]
Using a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, is unsafe and can make accidents more likely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that driving distractions, including the use of cell phones, contribute to 25% of all traffic crashes. [14]
The radio frequency (RF) emissions from cell phones have been shown to damage genetic material in blood cells which is a common precursor to cancer. [15]
Driving while talking on a cell phone is as dangerous as driving drunk. According to researchers at the University of Utah people who drive while talking on their cell phones are as impaired as drunk drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.08%. [16]
Children are at an increased risk for adverse health effects from cell phone radiation. One study has shown that children under the age of eight absorb twice the amount of radiation into their brain tissue as adults due to their lower skull thickness. [17]
The radiofrequency radiation from cell phones can damage the DNA in sperm. Cell phone storage in front pockets has been linked to poor fertility and an increased chance of miscarriage and childhood cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic Center for Reproductive medicine, semen quality "tended to decline as daily cell phone use increased." [18] [19]
Long term cell phone use can increase the likelihood of being hospitalized for migraines and vertigo by 10-20%. [20]
The use of cellphones by people with pacemakers is unsafe. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), radiofrequency energy from cell phones can create electromagnetic interference (EMI) that may disrupt the functioning of pacemakers, especially if the cell phone is placed close to the heart. [21]
Lithium-ion batteries, used in most cell phones, can explode from exposure to high heat, or from overcharging a faulty counterfeit battery. These explosions have caused injuries and started fires. [22]
Cordless home phones, television, radio, laptops, and palm held computers all produce radiofrequency (RF) radiation, the same type of radiation that is produced by cell phones.
The radiation emitted by a cell phone can penetrate 4 - 6 cm (1.6 - 2.4 in) into the human brain(215 KB) . The amount of RF absorbed into the head can be reduced by using a wired ear-piece (not a Bluetooth) rather than placing the phone against the ear.
A 2002 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(8 MB) (released in 2009 under a Freedom of Information Act request) concluded that using a hands free device (Bluetooth, headset, etc.) does not reduce distraction or make cell phone use safer while driving. As of Sep. 2009, six states had passed laws requiring the use of a hands free device while driving.
On July 24, 2008, a warning was issued(1 MB) by the Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute to faculty and staff to decrease cell phone exposure due to a possible connection between cell phone radiation and brain tumors. The warning prompted a congressional hearing on cell phone use and tumors(19 KB) .
Images & Videos
A. Image Gallery
Image showing inventor Dr. Martin Cooper and a prototype of the DynaTAC (aka "the brick"), the first commercial cellphone, 1973. Source: www.cbc.ca (accessed Sep. 21, 2009)
Photographs of the FCC's cell phone specific absorption rate (SAR) testing equipment. Source: "Research and Regulatory Efforts on Mobile Phone Health Issues," www.gao.gov, May 2001
Illustration showing an estimate of the absorption of radio frequency radiation into the brain based on age. Source: "The Case for Precaution in the Use of Cell Phones," www.environmentalhealthtrust.org, July 2008
Illustration showing the electromagnetic spectrum. Source: "Research and Regulatory Efforts on Mobile Phone Health Issues," www.gao.gov, May 2001
B. Video Gallery
ABC News episode investigating the dangers of driving while talking on a cell phone. Source: "Driving Danger," ABC News (accessed Aug. 21, 2009)
Sep. 14, 2009, Senate Subcommittee hearing chaired by Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) on the health effects of cell phone use. Source: "Webcast of Labor HHS Hearing on Health Effects of Cell Phone Use" (accessed Sep. 16, 2009)
Dianne Sawyer, ABC News correspondant, investigates whether or not children who use cell phones are at increased risk for developing brain cancer. Source: "Cell Phones and Kids," ABC News (accessed Aug. 21, 2009)
Readers' Comments
We post pro, con, and not clearly pro or con comments in the approximate ratio that we received them. We sometimes edit comments for brevity, clarity, and spelling. We may also remove comments posted when we find better comments covering the same issues or for other good reasons.
PRO Safety of Cell Phones
CON Safety of Cell Phones
"[T]his is an issue not deserving of the same kind of coverage you give to, say, the Mideast conflict, health reform, etc. The scientific community -- which ought to have credibility here -- does not view cell phones as a serious health risk. 'Teaching the controversy,' in this instance, give out-size credibility to a fringe view." Anonymous, Oct. 05, 2009
"I think your analysis gives more credibility to this issue than is warranted. Key pieces of evidence are:
No increase in rates of cancer in spite of a huge increase in cell phone usage.
No plausible mechanism by which cell phone radiation could cause a tumor (it's non-ionizing). (not even mentioned as a "pro").
Also note that meta-analyses are notorious for mixing data from poorly-designed studies with good studies." Anonymous, Sep. 26, 2009
"I did not know any of this bad stuff about cell phones although I should have suspected that those little headaches I would sometimes get when talking (I never get headaches) or the phone getting hot after a few minutes (I got the phone from the AT&T store not some back alley counterfeiter) were bad bad signs. Even though I'm not really sure about the science behind the safety claims (Sadly I still trust the government to look out for me), I will use my cell phone as if it were unsafe. I'll keep it away from my body and use it as little as possible. Thanks for a great site that may have just added years to my life." Trevor, Sep. 25, 2009
NOT CLEARLY PRO OR CON Safety of Cell Phones
"I think this is a VERY important issue. The conflicting studies and the lack of extensive studies of this topic speak to how sadly lacking industry is when it comes to safeguarding the users of its products. Sites like procon are invaluable in helping to make informed decisions about topics where clear, unbiased information simply isn't available." Bobbi, Sep. 28, 2009
"If cell phones were proved beyond reasonable doubt to be harmful to people's health, would American's be willing to give them up, or even reduce cell phone use? This issue is one that I think many people are afraid to confront. It is so much easier to assume that if everyone does it, it must be safe and healthy." Elizabeth, 7th grade teacher, Sep. 30, 2009
Please take our short survey to give your opinion on whether or not you think cell phones are safe. We'd also like to know what you think of our "micro" site. At the end of the survey you may leave us a comment for posting in our Readers' Comments section above.
Sources:
Citations for Pro and Con arguments:
Joachim Schüz et al. "Cellular Telephone Use and Cancer Risk: Update of a Nationwide Danish Cohort," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dec. 2006
Erick Swanson, "Stop Freaking Out About Cell Phones," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Aug. 3, 2008
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation," 61 Federal Register 41,006, Aug. 7, 1996
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "Radio Frequency Safety," www.fcc.gov (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)
Government Accountability Office (GAO), "Research and Regulatory Efforts on Mobile Phone Health Issues," www.gao.gov, May 2001
National Cancer Institute, "Cellular Telephone Use and Cancer Risk," www.cancer.gov (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)
International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry (CTIA), "CTIA Consumer Info: Driving Tips," www.ctia.org (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)
Adam D. Thierer, "Here Come the Federal Cell Phone Cops," CATO Institute, www.cato.org, June 25, 2001
R.J. Croft et al., "Mobile Phones and Brain Tumors: A Review of Epidemiological Research," Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, Dec. 2008
Christopher Baker, "Cell Phones for Safety and Security in Case of an Emergency," American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Public Policy Institute, www.aarp.org, June 2006
American Heart Association, "Pacemakers," www.americanheart.org (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)
Lennart Hardell et al., "Meta-Analysis of Long-Term Mobile Phone Use and the Association With Brain Tumours," International Journal of Oncology, Mar. 2008
MJ Schoemaker and AJ Swerdlow et al., "Mobile Phone Use and Risk of Acoustic Neuroma: Results of the Interphone Case-Control Study in Five North European Countries," British Journal of Cancer, Aug., 2005
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "NHTSA Policy and FAQs on Cellular Phone Use While Driving," www.nhtsa.dot.gov (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)
George Carlo and Martin Schram, Cell Phones, Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age, An Insiders Alarming Discoveries about Cancer and Genetic Damage, 2001
David L. Strayer et al., "A Comparison of the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver," Human Factors, Summer 2006
J. Wiart et al., "Analysis of RF Exposure in the Head Tissues of Children and Adults," Physics in Medicine and Biology, July, 2008
Geoffry N. De Luliss et al., "Mobile Phone Radiation Induces Reactive Oxygen Species Production and DNA Damage in Human Spermatozo in Vitro," Public Library of Science One, July 31, 2009
Joachim Schüz and Gunhild Waldemar et al., "Risks for Central Nervous System Diseases among Mobile Phone Subscribers: A Danish Retrospective Cohort Study," Public Library of Science One, Feb. 5, 2009
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Interference with Pacemakers and Other Medical Devices," www.fda.gov (accessed Aug. 24, 2009)
Ben Charny, "Cell Phones: Too Hot to Handle?," news.cnet.com, Oct. 25, 2004
Additional sources used in site development:
Sherri Box, "New Data From Virginia Tech Transportation Institute Provides Insight Into Cell Phone Use and Driving Distraction," www.vtnews.vt.edu, July 29, 2009
Environmental Working Group (EWG), "Cell Phone Radiation: Science Review on Cancer Risks and Children's Health," www.ewg.org, Sep. 2009
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "OET Bulletin 56: Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," www.fcc.gov, Aug. 1999
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "OET Bulletin 65: Evaluating Compliance With FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," www.fcc.gov, Aug. 1997
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "Report and Order: In the Matter of Responsibility of the Federal Communications Commission to Consider Biological Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation When Authorizing the Use of Radiofrequency Devices," GEN Docket No. 79-144, 100 FCC 2d 543, Mar. 1985
Lennart Hardell et al., "Pooled Analysis of Two Case-Control Studies on the Use of Cellular and Cordelss Telephones and the Risk of Benign Brain Tumors Diagnosed During 1997-2003," International Journal of Oncology, Feb., 2006
Ronald B. Herberman, Statement at the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing on “Tumors and Cell Phone Use: What the Science Says,” domesticpolicy.oversight.house.gov, Sep. 2008
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), "The INTERPHONE Study," www.iarc.fr(accessed Aug. 24, 2009)
International EMF Collaborative, "Cellphones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern," www.radiationresearch.org, Aug. 25, 2009
Sue Kovach, "The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation," Life Extension magazine, Aug. 2007
Dennis Kucinich, Opening Statement at the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing on “Tumors and Cell Phone Use: What the Science Says,” domesticpolicy.oversight.house.gov, Sep. 2008 National Academies of Science (NAS) "Identification of Research Needs Relating to Potential Biological or Adverse Health Effects of Wireless Communication," www.nap.edu, 2008
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "Status Summary: Using Wireless Communication Devices While Driving," www.nytimes.com, July 2003
National Highway Traffic Saftey Administration (NHTSA), "Traffic Safety Facts: Driver Cell Phone Use in 2006 - Overall Results," www.nhtsa.gov, July 2007
ProCon.org staff
Ray Suzrez, "Cell Phone Use Raises Risks While Driving, Studies Show," www.pbs.org, July 28, 2009
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website provides a summary of the debate on whether or not cell phones are safe to use. 
subscribers in the US (87% of the population) who used over 
