http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/31/who.cell.phones/index.html (CNN) -- Radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer, according to the World Health Organization. The agency now lists mobile phone use in the same "carcinogenic hazard" category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. Before its announcement Tuesday, WHO had assured consumers that no adverse health effects had been established. A team of 31 scientists from 14 countries, including the United States, made the decision after reviewing peer-reviewed studies on cell phone safety. The team found enough evidence to categorize personal exposure as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." What that means is that right now there haven't been enough long-term studies conducted to make a clear conclusion if radiation from cell phones are safe, but there is enough data showing a possible connection that consumers should be alerted.
Thank you, media, for causing mass confusion and sensationalist journalism again. In another study, all persons who have died in the past 10,000 years have all been linked to drinking water. More to come.
There is also a strong correlation between "breathing air" and cancer. Name me one person who did not breathe air and got cancer. You can not do it!
Did you willfully ignore the 2nd part of that sentence? Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that the WHO flip-flopped on the issue.
It's the same as my example. There's a connection between drinking water and dying. Does that mean it's the cause? There have long been theories that electronics cause cancer. Microwaves, TVs, alarm clocks, LED lights, etc. The truth is that all of these emit radiation. That's how energy works. Another truth is that the amount of radiation is minimal and doesn't cause a significant risk as sun tanning. And again, there is a theory that significant cell phone use can cause cancer because of how close we hold it to our body. Energy is dissipated by the square of the distance, and considering we hold cell phones right up to our ear and cheek, they think it poses more of a significant risk. There isn't any data that conclusively says that, and that's why this article is just going to scare the ignorant. If you are still worried about possible risk, then use a hands-free set that keeps the bulk of your phone a further distance from your body.
Can't speak to the radiation stuff since I don't know much about outside of wavelengths and stuff...but, what Qball said really isn't the same as your example. Your example would be an illusory correlation coming to a 1.0 since EVERYONE drinks water. Sure they might be mediators or moderators that affect the relationship, but it doesn't mean the relationship is without any form of merit. Causation would be a different topic.
If this turns out to be true, a massive proportion of our population is going to end up with some nasty headcancer and a infinitesimal percentage of our population is going to be real, real smug and all like, "LOL I TOLD U SO AND NOW U GOT THE CANCERS!!!!"
