Study shows cell phone radiation can alter brain function

Consumer Reports News: February 23, 2011 10:22 AM

Adding a new wrinkle to a long-standing concern of cell phone users, the Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that low-level radiation from cell phones can alter brain function during short-term use—but health effects are still unknown.

Our sister site, the CR Health Blog, discussed the study in detail. From their story:

The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and the Brookhaven National Laboratory, provides some of the strongest evidence to date linking cell-phone radiation with biological effects. But it's still unknown whether the radiation has any carcinogenic or other harmful effect.

Although, as the FDA has stated, the "weight of scientific evidence has not linked cell phones with any health problems," consumers continue to be concerned.

The city of San Francisco recently enacted an ordinance requiring that cell phones disclose the amount of radiation emitted, and Consumer Reports has called for a national research program and more guidance for cell phone users on potential risks.

Read more about this new study at the Consumer Reports Health Blog.

—Carol Mangis

—Carol Mangis