Nokia, Sony counter WHO report on cell phones

New Delhi: Mobile phone manufacturers have countered WHO's report on cellphones possibly causing cancer.

A statement issued by Nokia says said, "It is important to note that IARC has not classified RF fields as definitely nor even probably carcinogenic to humans. IARC has only concluded that, based on limited evidence, it may be possible that there could be some increased risk for certain cancer."

Sony Ericsson in its statement said, "The results are consistent with the vast majority of existing scientific research which shows no conclusive evidence of a connection between RF EMF exposure and cancer."

WHO cancer experts on Tuesday said that using a mobile phone might increase the risk of developing certain types of brain tumors and consumers should consider ways of reducing their exposure.

A working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries meeting at the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said a review of all the available scientific evidence suggested cell phone use should be classified as "possibly carcinogenic."

The classification, which puts mobile phone use in the same broad IARC cancer risk category as lead, chloroform and coffee, could spur the United Nations health body to look again at its guidelines on mobile phones, the scientists said.

(With additional information from Reuters)