Cancer doc urges cell phone precaution

Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, sends list of precautionary measures to faculty and staff.

A prominent cancer researcher's warning to limit cell phone use has rekindled anew the longstanding question over mobile-phone health risks.


Dr. Ronald B. Herberman
Dr. Ronald B. Herberman UPCI

In his 10-point advisory, Herberman also urges adults to keep phones away from their heads and use speakerphones or wireless headsets.

He suggests that people try to avoid constantly carrying their cell phones on their bodies and also try not to keep the devices nearby at night under the pillow or on a nightstand. He even warns against using cell phones in public places like buses because it exposes others to the phone's electromagnetic fields.


The tumor immunologist's words are grabbing widespread attention both because of his professional position and because they contradict numerous studies that don't find a link between cancer and cell phone use.


"Recently, I have become aware of the growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer," he says. "Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use."

For anyone concerned about possible health repercussions of cell phone use, many of Herberman's suggestions are easy enough to implement and minimally disruptive at most. Still, the topic can prove daunting to consumers. My colleague, cell phone guru Kent German, says he usually tells concerned consumers the following:

cell phone logo


Kent will be addressing the issue further in his On Call column, out soon, so stay tuned. And please share your thoughts below. How much attention will you pay to Herberman's recommendations?

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