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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Cell Phone cancer classification - what does it really mean

From the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) definition of Category 2b - Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans
This category is used for agents for which there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. It may also be used when there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans but there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. In some instances, an agent for which there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals together with supporting evidence from mechanistic and other relevant data may be placed in this group. An agent may be classified in this category solely on the basis of strong evidence from mechanistic and other relevant data.

Also listed in this group category are a few other items for which people have widespread exposure: caffeine and gasoline.

What does this mean to me? This does not prove any connection, but I am going to go ahead and use caution as I always have.