Phone Concerns Unproven
Phone Concerns Unproven Save Email Print
Posted: 6:31 PM Jul 24, 2008
Last Updated: 8:35 PM Jul 24, 2008

A | A | A

Our lives are saturated with technology. From computers to iPods to cell phones, we're immersed in it and a recurring concern about those phones is making the rounds again.

The phones are everywhere you look.

Meckensie Jensen, "can't live without it, pretty much."

And Kobi Davis tells us, "I talk to my dad all the time. I get to hear what he says. It's really fun for me."

Now a researcher with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute suggests we might want to limit cell phone use.

Dr. Ronald Herberman says, "This potentially could contribute to increased risk for developing brain tumors, particularly the area of brain close to the ear."

Dr. Herberman points to unpublished research that suggests signs of concern, especially in youth, because their brains are still developing.

But Dr. Charles Enke, with the Nebraska Medical Center says, "I think that's irresponsible based on the available information."

Dr. Enke is a radiation oncologist with Medical Center and he says there is not enough evidence to cause a stir.

He says, "I would say the risk of a teenager using a cell phone and driving and getting into a fatal accident dramatically exceeds their risk of death compared to the risk of developing a brain tumor."

If you are concerned about the radiation from your cell phone, Dr. Herberman suggests plugging in an earpiece to distance yourself from the phone itself.

The concern of a possible linke between cell phone use and cancer has been studied several times. Results show there is not a significant link between increased tumors and cell phone use.

The Food and Drug Administration also says they see no safety concerns with using the technology.

More Stories
Park East Store Burglarized

Protection Order Violations

Family Mourns Loss Of Loved One

Man Critically Wounded by Gunfire in South Omaha

Gun Violation Found On MySpace

Fire at Omaha Apartment Complex Blamed on Electrical Problem

Ralston Celebrates Independence Day

Holiday Weekend Fireworks Displays

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Urban legend whatever. I work and have to wear a radiation monitor and one day with my phone simply in the idle mood it picked up a .1 milli rem so I know there is some radation coming from it. Although that amount is small it is sometime. You ever talk on the cell phone for extended period and wonder why your heads is a bit warm, hum wake up. They know they give off raditaion it states it right on the inside of the phone battery.

Posted by: Kent on Jul 24, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Urban legends. Did you see the videos of people popping popcorn with their cell phones? They were fake, created by Bluetooth Headsets. Get the connection?

Special Sections