Latest Study Finds No Link Between Cell Phones, Brain Cancer

One of the largest cell phone studies to date was just released Tuesday looking for links between cell phone usage and brain tumors.

The Food & Drug Administration's findings, though, are not entirely clear cut, or without controversy.

More than a quarter of a million Americans use cell phones -- and a new comprehensive study published Tuesday finds there is no increased health risk associated with radiation and cell phones.

"As far as we know it doesn't have the capability of damaging cells," said Dr. Ron Ennis of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital.

Ennis is a radiation oncologist who treats cancer patients.

"There's pretty good evidence that cell phones are very safe, not 100 percent proven. We could find out later on that there is a risk. The likelihood is very low," Dr. Ennis said.

Critics, though, are pointing to one key finding. The study did show an increase in tumors among heavy users. A small part of the study defined as using it 30 minutes every day over 10 years.

"There is a 40 percent increase in malignant brain tumor with 10 years of cell phone use and the public really needs to know that," Elizabeth Barris said.

And advocates for greater cell phone oversight say children and pregnant women are more vulnerable and should be warned against any overuse.

Four states are introducing legislation to attach warning labels on cell phones, stating they may cause brain cancer. Six countries have already warned against excessive cell phone usage --especially in children. Users, like one expectant mother we spoke to, said all the conflicting information can be confusing.

"I try not to talk too much on the cell phone as a general rule," said Nicole Tecco-Reece of Brooklyn.

"I use the earpiece so I don't have it connected to my head," added John Deloney of Far Rockaway.

In all, 13,000 people were part of the 13-country study. Cell phone industry group CTIA said in a statement that the: " … conclusion of no overall increased risk of brain cancer is consistent with conclusions reached in an already large body of scientific research on this subject."

Still, watchdog groups are calling for more independently funded studies that better mirror our cell phone addicted society's heavy use of the devices.

Common sense precautions include: using an ear piece or the speaker phone, or text to reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation.

For detailed information on the study, please click HERE.