When cell phone radiation can cause cancer in mice, what about humans?

Image Source: CNN Indonesia

Maybe we already know that our smartphones emit signals and also radiation. But we do not pay much attention to the impact because there is no serious incident about health than that (although there are already some and quite fatal). This time, there is an amazing result.

Wahyunanda K. P., Tekno Kompas - Last month, the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) released its results, which showed if cell phone radiation did not trigger cancer cells. But the study found other facts, after a peer review process. 

The results of the evaluation conclude that radiation exposure causes liver tumors in male rats' organs labeled "clear evidence" (clear evidence). In this labeled mice, an increased risk of rare malignant cancer, called schwannoma in connective tissue that surrounds the liver. Another finding is the growth of brain tumors in male rats under the label "some evidence", where a risk of malignant glioma, a type of brain cancer that attacks glial cells in male rats.

A Sample of Brain which infected by Malignant Glioma, Image Source: AboutCancer

Tumors are also found in female liver rods, but do not grow at a significant level, so labeled "equivocal evidence". The label means, researchers have not been able to determine whether radiation causes tumors in female rats or not.

However, the mice born of a female rat labeled "equivocal evidence", has a small body weight. Overall, the study, originally labeled "equivocal evidence", turned into "some evidence" and "clear evidence", which means it is possible if cell phone use triggers the growth of cancer cells. Previously, NTP explained if the non-ionization radiation in the mobile phone is different from ionizing radiation, which can cause DNA damage in certain doses.

In conclusion, at that time, some of the mice used as trials, were able to survive longer, and others died faster. Researchers also found significant growth in lymphoma, a cancer that develops in lymphocytes, which appears in female rats, even in the label "equivocal".

So, What About Humans?

Image Source: ScienceMag

So, what does that mean for humans? After the research through a peer review process, the results will be given to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The agency will then issue a policy to protect consumers, and provide guidance to the central US communications body (FCC), which makes mobile security standards. The process of peer review is a vital process for all research, for examination or research by other experts in the field. 

NTP senior toxicologist Ronald Melnick did not deny if it is difficult to conclude with certainty for further research, that there is no risk of cell phone use for humans. "I think it would be irresponsible if it did not deliver the indications to the public", Melnick explained as quoted by KompasTekno from Quartz Media, Monday April 9, 2018. He also added if the change in conclusion after the peer review, quite rare.

Toxicologist Ronald Melnick, Image Source: YouTube

"Usually, when NTP submits its findings, peer review experts will participate, almost during the study, in which case they feel the data, then combine with their knowledge of cancer, enough to corroborate the discovery," Melnick said.

Source: Tekno Kompas