Researchers at the University of Essen, Germany, found 118 patients with uveal melanoma had used mobile phones and other equipment which emit radio waves more often than the control group of 475 patients without the disease. The research has been published in the latest edition of Epidemiology (January). The cancer - a rare condition which causes tumours to form in the layer making up the iris and the base of the retina - causes vision loss and death within 15 years to 50 per cent of patients diagnosed with a melanoma of the choroid or ciliary body. Dr Andreas Stang, who led the research, warned that his study needed confirmation. The scientific community is divided over whether there is a link between cancer and mobile phones. There is no question that the devices emit low levels of radio frequency (RF) radiation which at high levels can cause biological damage, but the effect at low levels is yet to be determined. A spokeswoman from Vodafone, Britain's largest network provider, told optician that all mobile phones sold in the UK were approved to appropriate standards, which ensured the recommended RF exposure levels would not be exceeded during 'normal use'. She said: 'We actively support publication of research and will continue to monitor closely all scientific studies in this area. We will contribute nearly half a million pounds to such research over the next few years. The conclusion drawn by scientists is that there are no known adverse health effects for adults or children provided that RF exposure is below recommended levels.' However, if this study is substantiated by other research, it could lead to lawsuits by people suffering from this type of eye cancer. In the US, 10 people with brain tumours have filed claims against phone companies.
