Assessing the Potential Dangers of Cell Phone Use to Human Health: A Review of the Evidence on Cancer Risk

Zakaria Ali

Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

Email:ali.zakaria@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Cell phones have become ubiquitous in modern life, leading to concerns about potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by these devices. This review examines the current scientific evidence on the potential link between cell phone use and cancer risk, focusing on epidemiological studies, experimental research, and mechanistic investigations. Epidemiological studies, including large-scale cohort studies and case-control studies, have produced mixed results, with some indicating possible associations between cell phone use and specific cancers such as glioma and acoustic neuroma, while others find no significant link. Experimental research has explored potential biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and DNA damage, but definitive connections to cancer remain elusive. Regulatory perspectives and public health recommendations emphasize cautious use, particularly among vulnerable populations. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain, including limited long-term data and inadequate exploration of new technologies like 5G. Future research should address these gaps through long-term, interdisciplinary studies and improved exposure assessment methods. This review highlights the complexity of the issue and underscores the need for ongoing research to provide clearer insights and inform public health guidelines.

Keywords: Cell phone use, cancer risk, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), epidemiological studies.

CITE AS: Zakaria Ali. (2024). Assessing the Potential Dangers of Cell Phone Use to Human Health: A Review of the Evidence on Cancer Risk. Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine 4(1):25-29. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJPHM/2024/412529