Scientists link eye cancer to mobile phones

[Guest guest]

Leake, Science Editor

http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/01/14/stinwenws01032.h

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MOBILE phones have been linked to human cancer in a scientific study for

the first time. The research suggests there is a threefold increase in

eye cancers among people who regularly use the devices.

The results will cause concern within the mobile telecoms industry. The

radiation emitted from mobile phones has long been known temporarily to

alter the workings of brain cells but there was previously no evidence

of permanent damage to health.

If confirmed by subsequent research, the finding could lead tothousands

of costly lawsuits by people with eye and possibly brain cancers.

More than 20m people in Britain have mobile phones. The research,

published in the journal Epidemiology, was carried out by a team from

the University of Essen, in Germany. It investigated a form of eye

cancer called uveal melanoma, in which tumours form in the layer that

makes up the iris and base of the retina.

Dr s Stang, who led the research, said he had examined 118 people

with uveal melanoma and obtained details about their use of digital

mobile phones. This was compared with a control group of 475 people

without the disease.

To prevent bias, the researchers were not told if the person they were

examining suffered from cancer or was healthy. When the results were

analysed they found the cancer victims had a much higher rate of mobile

phone use, though Stang cautions that his study needs confirmation.

The mechanism by which the radiation might cause cancer is uncertain but

it is known that the watery contents of the eye assists the absorption

of radiation.

Other research showed that cells called melanocytes found in the uveal

layer started growing and dividing more rapidly when exposed to

microwave radiation.

Since uveal melanoma starts within such cells, there is a ready-made

mechanism by which mobile phone radiation might help to initiate cancer,

especially in people with a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Last year the inquiry into mobile phone safety, appointed by the

government, found no evidence to link the devices with brain tumours or

any other disorder.

However, last month saw the launch of multi-billion-pound lawsuits

against Verizon Horizon, an American mobile phone company 45% owned by

Vodaphone, the biggest British provider.

Customers claim they got brain tumours and other conditions from using

the devices.

Vodaphone said it welcomed new research but there was still no positive

evidence that mobile phones harmed health.