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Cell Phone Use by Kids may Boost Brain Tumor Risk

by Sheela Philomena on Feb 2 2011 10:15 AM

 Cell Phone Use by Kids may Boost Brain Tumor Risk
Kids who use cell phones are 5 times more likely to develop brain tumor than adults, says experts.
The potential risk could be a "huge time bomb", according to independent watchdog Powerwatch, which investigates their safety. It wants children banned from using them.

"The risk of getting a brain tumour is far increased for children as their cells are still dividing which could cause a tumour to grow. Their skulls are also far thinner and less developed than an adult's, meaning they don't absorb as much of the radiation leaving it to get through to the brain. This can do a huge amount of damage," the Daily Express quoted Technical manager Graham Philips as saying.

Cancer specialist Dr Justin Stebbing, of Imperial College London, said: "Their cells are still growing so they could be more sensitive to DNA damage."

The BMJ Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine advises parents to ensure children use text messages, hands-free kits or loudspeaker functions.

Source-ANI


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