Study Links Cell Phones To Brain Tumors

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Many of us can't live without them, but could our cell phones cause brain tumors?

According to the National Cancer Institute, every time we place a cell phone to our ear we expose our brains to a form of electromagnetic radiation. But  is it enough to cause a brain tumor?

Dr. Deepa Subramaniam with the Brain Tumor Center at Georgetown, points to a study released October 13th in the Journal of Clinical Oncology

"They did find a statistically significant association between the development of brain tumors and the use of mobile phones for over 10 years," she said.

And London's Daily Telegraph points to World Health Report set to be released later this year. The 10-year study finds a link between cell phone use and brain tumors.

But Subramaniam says these studies have one major flaw. They look at the past and ask people to recall their use. She says it would be better to conduct an ongoing study that asks people to keep a diary of cell phone use over time and see who develops brain tumors.

Many people believe using a bluetooth headset will protect them. But Subramaniam said that technology is untested as well. Most people say they won't cut back on talk time unless the evidence is concrete.

"I'd want more conclusive information that there's actually health hazards out there," said Mary Praxmarer.

"I would have to know more about how the study was conducted and find out if there was more than just a link-- something that proved causality before it would really change what I did," said Rachel Nelli.

Subramaniam says for now, try to use your speakerphone or a landline. And it's best to keep cell phones away from kids.