How to Understand Cellphone Radiation and Cancer Risk. Alarmed by news reports that
cellphones could possibly cause brain tumors? Here's what we know so far. You will need
Facts and precautions. Step 1. Know what "cellphone radiation" is. Cellphones emit radiofrequency
energy, a form of non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation, the kind produced by X-ray
machines, has been linked to cancer; nonionizing radiation has not. Step 2. Understand the
classification of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which evaluates environmental
and lifestyle factors for possible links to cancer. The I.A.R.C. classifies cellphones
as a "possible" carcinogen, meaning it's not certain whether they pose a cancer risk. The
International Agency for Research on Cancer also lists coffee and pickled vegetables as
possible carcinogens. Step 3. Understand why the I.A.R.C. classification is confusing.
Some studies into possible links between cellphones and cancer have found a higher risk of brain
tumors, while others have found a lower risk. Some scientists point out that cellphones
have been in use for years with no subsequent increase in brain tumors; others say there
hasn't been enough time to determine the effect on younger generations who began using cellphones
in childhood. Step 4. Play it safe by reducing your exposure to cellphone radiation. Use
speakerphone or a wired earpiece -- a ferrite bead will lower your exposure even further.
Also limit the time you're on your cellphone while walking and when you have a weak signal;
cellphones emit more radiation when they're in motion or far away from a cell tower. Avoid
wireless earpieces, which emit radiation right at your ear, albeit at lower levels. Step
5. Stay tuned to new research -- the jury is still out on cellphone radiation and cancer
risk. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to talk less on your cellphone and send text
messages whenever possible. Did you know 85 percent of Americans 18 and older own a cellphone.