Let Science Dictate Discussion on Health Risks

There have been some recent media reports regarding the opinion of Dr. Vini Khurana regarding the use of cell phones and associated health risks. Dr. Khurana, who is a neurosurgeon and not a researcher, believes there is research evidence that indicates cell phone users of 10 years or more greatly increase their chances of developing some forms of rare brain tumors. We continue to encourage discussion on this important topic focus solely on the vast amount of international research that's been performed, which was recently reviewed by an international group of independent health experts for the Swedish Radiation Protective Agency. This comprehensive review included all known existing research in the area, and supports conclusions drawn by the World Health Organizations and other renowned health agencies around the world. There are numerous studies that could be cited that directly contradict Dr. Khurana's claim, such as one from Denmark in late 2006 that included 52,000 long-term mobile phone users, and found that their incidence of these rare tumors was even less than had been predicted based on the incidence rate of the general population. While some experts believe further research is necessary, we maintain that current discussion should be based on holistic review of scientific evidence, and not selected projects which could paint an alarming, misleading, and inaccurate picture of the situation.