That said, the IARC put mobile phones in its category 2B -- "possibly carcinogenic" -- with respect to one type of cancer, namely glioma which affects the brain. No other form of cancer was implicated. IARC has a long list of substances in its category 1 ("carcinogenic", e.g. cigarettes) and category 2A ("probably carcinogenic", e.g. ultraviolet radiation).
Coffee, by the way, is in category 2B with respect to bladder cancer. I don't know of anyone who quit drinking coffee because of the IARC's analysis.
Everyone with a degree in electrical engineering has spent at least one academic year studying Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic fields. I have thought about the impact of electromagnetic radiation on my body for a long time. I wouldn't live underneath a 500 kilovolt AC power line, nor would I want to spend much time near a high-powered microwave transmitter. On the other hand, I don't worry cordless phones in the house or wireless headset systems. I'm on the fence about electric blankets.
What about mobile phones? I believe it's prudent to minimize the amount of time when a mobile phone is held against my skull, although sometimes it's unavoidable. Speakerphone operation is preferable. Another good alternative is a Bluetooth headset. Our new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid combines both technologies. And, of course, don't forget the inexpensive wired earpiece that each supplier packages with the phone -- even if it looks geeky.
