Tel Aviv researchers have proven for the first time the link between cell phone use and cancer.
Yaniv Hamzany of Tel Aviv University led the study, which offers the first conclusive proof that prolonged cell phone exposure could increase the risk of developing cancer.
“Increasing use of mobile phones creates growing concerns regarding harmful effects of radio frequency nonionizing electromagnetic radiation on human tissues located close to the ear, where phones are commonly held for long periods of time,” the study said.
The study was conducted by analyzing the saliva of 20 subjects, who each reported using a cell phone an average of eight hours a month, a low figure according to Dr. Hamzany.
This was compared to a control group of deaf patients who do not place a cell phone to their ear at all.
The cell phone users had a significant increase in salivary oxidative stress measurements, which is linked to cellular and genetic mutations that can cause the development of tumors.
"This suggests that there is considerable oxidative stress on the tissue and glands which are close to the cell phone when in use," Dr. Hamzany said.
The findings were reported in the journal Antioxidants and Redox Signaling.