Do Smartphones Cause Cancer? A WHO Perspective

In recent years, the use of smartphones has surged globally. As more people rely on these devices for communication, information, and entertainment, an important question arises: can smartphone use trigger cancer? The World Health Organization (WHO) has conducted research to address this question.

WHO Research on Radiation

WHO, through its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has studied the potential impacts of radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by telecommunication devices, including smartphones. RF radiation is a type of non-ionizing radiation, meaning it does not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, making it considered less harmful than ionizing radiation (such as X-rays).

WHO’s Conclusion

In its reports, WHO states that, based on existing evidence, smartphone use does not directly cause cancer. However, they also note that further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of device usage, especially as usage frequency increases.

IARC Classification

In 2011, IARC classified RF radiation as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B). This means that there is a potential link between RF radiation exposure and an increased risk of cancer, but the existing evidence is not strong enough to confirm this relationship.

What Can Be Done?

Although WHO does not assert that smartphones directly cause cancer, they recommend several precautionary measures to reduce radiation exposure:

Use headsets or speakerphone: Keeping distance between the device and your head can help reduce exposure.
Limit usage time: Reducing the time spent talking on the smartphone and opting for text messaging can be beneficial.
Avoid use in low signal areas: In poor signal conditions, smartphones increase power to stay connected, thereby increasing radiation exposure.
Keep smartphones away from the body: Using bags or other containers to store smartphones when not in use can help.