Mobile Phones and Head Tumours: A Critical Analysis of Case-Control Epidemiological Studies

Protocols and results of case-control studies, pooled- and meta-analyses on the relationship between mobile phone use and risk of head tumours are critically analysed, and for each study strict elements necessary for evaluating its reliability are identified and applied (see Methods). In studies funded by public bodies, blind protocols give positive results revealing cause-effect relationships between long-term latency or use of mobile phones (cellulars and cordless) and statistically significant increases of ipsilateral risk of brain gliomas and acoustic neuromas, with biological plausibility. In studies funded or co-funded by the cellphone companies non-blind protocols give overall negative results with systematic underestimation of risk; however, also in these studies a statistically significant increase in risk of ipsilateral brain gliomas, acoustic neuromas, and parotid gland tumours is quite common when only subjects with at least 10 years of latency or exposure to mobile phones (only cellulars) are considered. Informed precautionary measures are therefore recommended as a step towards reducing risk of head tumours, especially for young people and those making intense use of cellular and cordless phones.