Swedish scientists report that using a cell phone for 10 years or more doubles the risk of acoustic neuromas and brain tumors on the side of the head where the phone is held. For more information, visit: http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/oem.2006.029751v1.

According to a new study in Finland, the effects of radiofrequency radiation on nerve cell activity may differ, depending on whether the cells are primary (taken directly from an organism) or secondary (taken from cell lines). For more information, see Microwave News, May 29 at: http://www.microwavenews.com/, or an abstract of the study at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a778361233.

A 30-year study of 20,000 Swiss railway workers linked increased rates of myeloid leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma with chronic exposure to extra-low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). Monitoring workers’ exposure levels between 1972 and 2002 showed that train drivers had the highest levels of exposure—nine times the levels of ticket collectors. [Leukemia, brain tumors and exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields: cohort of Swiss railway employees Online First Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007: doi: 10.1136/oem.2006.030270] For more, see: http://oem.bmj.com/.

Scientists in the UK are concerned about the possible health effects of wireless technologies, particularly Wi-Fi networks in schools. Major media coverage in May includes a BBC documentary featuring CHE Partner Alasdair Philips. Fore more information, see:  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2243482823849327978. This program drew strong criticism from one viewer. For Philips’ detailed response, see http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/latestnews.asp?nogroup=1. Also see the May 2007 issue of Microwave News at: http://www.microwavenews.com/.

While UK researchers and the public are calling for more research on health effects of Wi-Fi, San Francisco, the “Precautionary Pioneer” city, is forging ahead to implement city-wide Wi-Fi without an environmental review. The San Francisco Neighborhood Antenna-Free Union (SNAFU) has filed an appeal, calling for an environmental review before a final decision is made by the Board of Supervisors to proceed. For more information, visit: http://www.antennafreeunion.org/.

UK scientists are also concerned about effects of radiofrequency radiation on infants exposed to wireless monitors. For more information, see: http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article2562761.ece. For measurements of exposure levels, see: http://www.who.int/peh-emf/meetings/archive/bsw_kuster.pdf.