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Editorial: 'Cell' concern
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Considering that cell phones might as well be attached to some people's heads, a health advisory from the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cancer Centers is something at least to think about.
"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 wrote to 3,000 of his staff Wednesday. "Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory."
In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the doctor said he wants the word out to the public and noted that limited use of cell phones is recommended in some countries, including Canada. The newspaper reported that no other cancer center directors in the U.S. have issued such an advisory and that the American Cancer Society said there is no conclusive evidence tying cell-phone use to brain cancer.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Dr. Herberman has signed a document, along with 20 other international experts, calling for precautions and advocating that manufacturers provide phones with the lowest possible risk.
In his advisory, Dr. Herberman suggested callers limit the cell phones' electromagnetic radiation by keeping conversations short, and by keeping phones away from the head by text-messaging and using speaker phones or headsets, and that children use cell phones only in emergencies.
Cell phones are a great convenience. However, we know definitively that talking on a cell phone — handheld or not — while driving is a hazard. It's not too big a stretch to think that practically gluing phones to our ears may not be good for our brains.
As with most things, the old adage, "Everything in moderation," probably applies to cell phones.
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