Study fails to prove mobile phone cancer risk

The latest research into the possible health risks that mobile phones may pose has proved inconclusive.

The results of the decade long Interphone study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found no proof that users of mobiles were at a higher risk of brain tumour than people who don't use mobile phones.

But researchers refused to rule out probable harm, saying the study’s results were “tentative” and required further exploration.

Dr Christopher Wild, director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said: "An increased risk of brain cancer is not established from the data from Interphone.

“However, observations at the highest level of cumulative call time and the changing patterns of mobile phone use since the period studied by Interphone, particularly in young people, mean that further investigation of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk is merited.”

Researchers from 13 countries, including the UK, contributed to the study, which was backed by the World Health Organisation. They interviewed 12,848 participants, of which 5,150 had meningioma, a benign tumour or the more serious glioma tumours.

Although the first results have now been published, scientists said the work must continue.

They pointed out that mobile phone use today has changed radically since the study began in 2000 and is much more prevalent. Of particular concern to the scientists is how mobiles may affect children.

Although many youngsters tend to text rather than talk, plus hands-free operations keep the phone away from the head, the scientists said it is not uncommon for youngsters to use mobile phones for an hour or more a day.

Meanwhile, the International Cohort Study on Mobile Communications (Cosmos), is investigating any links between mobile usage and health problems. This study will run for 20 to 30 years.