Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Latest mobile phone research
A further study on the potential link between mobile phone use and brain tumours has been published by a Danish group (see Mobile phones "safe for brains" on the BBC website, for example). This shows no link between the two: the scientific evidence is building that mobile use is really not a direct risk to health. Nevertheless, many are still urging precaution. Dr Christoffer Johansen, author of the paper, is quoted as saying "We advise all people who use a mobile phone to use a hands free set. It reduces exposure".
There are a number of other studies due to be published in the next eighteen months. The likelihood is that these will also show there to be no problem. But will this satisfy those who are concerned? Unlikely: some will almost certainly continue to call for "more research". Of course, no amount of scientific enquiry can ever prove 100% safety, but as more evidence is amassed, we should really move on to more pressing concerns. The problem is that the scientific method is merely an overlay on the belief system of a particular individual. People will not usually change deeply-held views just because of facts.
Such is life. There are no obvious ways to change this. In the meantime, scientists must continue to test hypotheses as objectively as possible.
There are a number of other studies due to be published in the next eighteen months. The likelihood is that these will also show there to be no problem. But will this satisfy those who are concerned? Unlikely: some will almost certainly continue to call for "more research". Of course, no amount of scientific enquiry can ever prove 100% safety, but as more evidence is amassed, we should really move on to more pressing concerns. The problem is that the scientific method is merely an overlay on the belief system of a particular individual. People will not usually change deeply-held views just because of facts.
Such is life. There are no obvious ways to change this. In the meantime, scientists must continue to test hypotheses as objectively as possible.
