WASHINGTON - It is clearly one of the greatest technological developments of our time.
It seems nearly everyone has one, nearby at every moment.
But a chilling question remains: Could your cell phone be killing you?
Some people are convinced that radiation emitted from the little devices increases the risk of brain cancer in long-time users. There also is concern that wearing a phone on your belt is a danger.
While some medical experts believe various studies back up these fears, others say the evidence is not yet conclusive. Either way, if you're concerned, there are things you can do to reduce the risk, if it exists.
What does the federal government say? Is the National Cancer Institute concerned?
The association which represents the wireless telephone industry declined to be interviewed for this series but is adamant that published science does not back up the fears some people have about cell phones.
I'll take a closer look cell phone safety in "Dialing Danger," my special 10-part series.
Part I Many of us have never lived without cell phones. (To listen to Part I, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part II Can cell phones cause brain cancer? For at least one American family, there is no debate over the answer. (To listen to Part II, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part III The debate over whether cell phones and brain cancer are connected picks up steam this year. Even Congress has become involved. (To listen to Part III, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part IV Is there a link between cell phones and brain cancer? Many doctors say more research is needed to fully answer that question. And, that's why an announcement this year by the head of one prominent cancer research institute caught people off guard. (To listen to Part IV, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part V Instead of actually chatting on your cell phone, perhaps you're more into text messages. There are concerns about that, too. (To listen to Part V, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part VI Some doctors say there is no conclusive evidence that cell phones cause brain cancer. (To listen to Part VI, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part VII How concerned are people on the street about the dangers of cell phones? (To listen to Part VII, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part VIII Cell phone videos: Do cell phones pop popcorn? (To listen to Part VIII, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part IX On the risks of cancer, what does the wireless industry have to say? (To listen to Part IX, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
Part X Who is most at risk? What can be done to reduce the potential risk of getting cancer from a cell phone? (To listen to Part X, click the play button in the left-hand column.)
(Copyright 2008 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
Brennan Haselton, WTOP Radio
WASHINGTON - It is clearly one of the greatest technological developments of our time.
It seems nearly everyone has one, nearby at every moment.
But a chilling question remains: Could your cell phone be killing you?
Some people are convinced that radiation emitted from the little devices increases the risk of brain cancer in long-time users. There also is concern that wearing a phone on your belt is a danger.
While some medical experts believe various studies back up these fears, others say the evidence is not yet conclusive. Either way, if you're concerned, there are things you can do to reduce the risk, if it exists.
What does the federal government say? Is the National Cancer Institute concerned?
The association which represents the wireless telephone industry declined to be interviewed for this series but is adamant that published science does not back up the fears some people have about cell phones.
I'll take a closer look cell phone safety in "Dialing Danger," my special 10-part series.
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