Mobile phones are indispensable tools in daily life, rarely parted from their owners wherever they go. At present, claims that mobile phone radiation affects human health remain unproven. However, experts indicate that long-term exposure—specifically, using a phone for over 40 minutes of calls per day—may increase the risk of brain tumors. Therefore, it is recommended to limit exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and children should reduce their mobile phone usage.
Mobile Phone Calls Over 40 Minutes Increase Brain Tumor Risk
France's National Health Security Agency stated on the 15th that at present, "there is no evidence" that electromagnetic radiation from devices like mobile phones and WiFi has an "impact" on human health.
In 2011, ANSES established a 16-member expert panel to review over 300 scientific studies published since 2009 and produce an assessment report on "Radio Frequencies and Health."
According to this authoritative French body, since it "cannot be proven" that electromagnetic radiation from these products has an "impact" on human health, there is no reason to amend current relevant laws.
In a press release, ANSES stated that some laboratory test evidence shows electromagnetic radiation produces reversible "biological effects" on human or animal cells, and these "biological effects" also occur in daily life.
"DHS experts could not establish a causal link between these 'biological effects' in cells... and any potential health impacts."
The French agency noted that some scientific studies suggest "frequent" mobile phone use over the long term may increase the risk of brain tumors. Dominique Gombel, head of the DHS Risk Assessment Department, defined "frequent" as exceeding 40 minutes of daily mobile phone calls.
Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation
However, given the current insufficient research on electromagnetic radiation from devices like mobile phones and emerging trends driven by new technologies, ANSES still recommends limiting exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
ANSES concluded that the current lack of human and animal studies, along with insufficient research on the potential effects of 2G, 3G, and 4G communication networks on humans, prevents an assessment of the impacts of electromagnetic radiation.
The agency also highlighted recent trends showing a surge in outdoor and indoor applications involving electromagnetic radiation, leading to increased exposure for people.
The Health and Safety Agency cautions that while mobile phones are now recognized as a primary source of electromagnetic radiation in daily life, further investigation into environmental electromagnetic radiation remains necessary.
Children Should Reduce Mobile Phone Use
The Health and Safety Agency offers several specific recommendations to minimize public exposure to electromagnetic radiation, particularly for "children and frequent mobile phone users."
These recommendations include using hands-free devices whenever possible during frequent calls, and children should reduce their mobile phone usage frequency.
Additionally, when purchasing mobile phones, consumers can opt for devices with lower Specific Absorption Rates (SAR). SAR reflects the level of radiation absorbed by the body when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. According to standards set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the maximum SAR limit for mobile phone radiation is 2 watts per kilogram.
The Health and Safety Executive also notes that devices like cordless phones and laptops emit electromagnetic radiation.
While "no evidence currently indicates" mobile phone radiation harms human health, further research is needed. The agency advises minimizing exposure to electromagnetic radiation by reducing mobile phone usage.