The saliva of excessive cell phone users revealed that they were at a higher risk of developing cancer, a new study found.
A new study from the Tel Aviv University has found a substantial link between heavy cell phone usage and possible cancer in the future. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers cell phones as carcinogenic to humans and the new study adds to it. Heavy cell phone users are at an elevated risk of developing cancer compared to those who use it minimally.
Dr. Yaniv Hamzany of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine and his team of researchers looked at the possible link between risk of cancer and cell phone usage. For the study, researchers examined the saliva content of 20 heavy-user patients to identify a connection to developing cancer. Researchers chose to examine the saliva since cell phones are placed close to salivary glands when in use.
Researchers classified heavy cell phone users as those who spend a minimum eight hours a month speaking over the phone. Researchers compared the results with a control group, which included deaf patients who use the cell-phones for non-verbal activities like sending text messages.
On comparing the results, researchers found a significant increase in oxidative stress, a process where all aspects of a human cell is damaged, in heavy cell phone users. The higher oxidative stress in patients' saliva was due to the development of toxic peroxide and free radicals.
"This suggests that there is considerable oxidative stress on the tissue and glands which are close to the cell phone when in use," Dr. Hamzany said in a press release.
The higher oxidative stress plays a key role in cellular and genetic mutations. This results in the development of tumors.
The seriousness of over-the-limit usage of cell phones has been a major concern. A previous study from College of Education, Health and Human Services at Kent State University, found that excessive use of cell phone can lead to poor physical fitness.
The findings of the study are published in the journal Antioxidants and Redox Signaling.
