A review of cell phone studies commissioned by the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority has found no “consistent evidence” of an increased risk of cancer from usage, the agency said.
Studies have differed on whether the use of mobile phones increases the risk of cancer as the handsets have become increasingly popular and efficient.
The governmental agency asked Dr. John D. Boice Jr. and Dr. Joseph K. McLaughlin of the International Epidemiology Institute in Rockville, Md., to evaluate published epidemiological research on the subject.
The review looked at nine studies since 1996 that included factors such as type of phone, duration and frequency of use and brain tumor location.
“No consistent evidence was observed for increased risk of brain cancer (or other forms),” the scientists said in the review, released Wednesday.
The agency acknowledged public concern about the issue and said many studies were still being performed and continued follow-up was needed on any possible carcinogenic effect linked to mobile phone usage.