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The National Toxicology Program initiated a study with 3,000 rodents to determine whether or not cell phones could cause cancer back during the Clinton administration, and the final results of that $30 million effort have finally been released. According to the federal agency, “radio waves from some types of cellphones could raise the risk that male rats develop brain cancer.” While “the link between radio-frequency radiation and tumors in male rats is real,” “the exposure levels and durations were far greater than what people typically encounter,” however.
Still, experts argue, even a small demonstrated rise in cancer risk could have wide implications, given that billions of people now use cellphones. The lowest level of radiation in the federal study was equal to the maximum exposure that federal regulations allow for cellphone users. That level of exposure rarely occurs in typical cellphone use, the toxicology agency said. The highest level was four times higher than the permitted maximum.
Still, experts argue, even a small demonstrated rise in cancer risk could have wide implications, given that billions of people now use cellphones. The lowest level of radiation in the federal study was equal to the maximum exposure that federal regulations allow for cellphone users. That level of exposure rarely occurs in typical cellphone use, the toxicology agency said. The highest level was four times higher than the permitted maximum.