In its evaluation, IARC considers experimental evidence of carcinogenicity but gives priority to human epidemiologic evidence.

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Hints that not everything was harmonious in the IARC process seeped out but have not been pursued.

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Like many of my colleagues, I was dismayed by the IARC announcement, which did not square with my reading of the scientific evidence.

FORBES: Behind The World Health Organization's "Cancerous" Pronouncement On Cell Phones

One colleague, who is knowledgeable about both IARC and the National Cancer Institute group, offered that scientists involved in this contentious issue have a strong incentive to keep a low profile.

FORBES: Behind The World Health Organization's "Cancerous" Pronouncement On Cell Phones

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But it was important to keep the risks associated with moderate sun bed use in perspective, she added, with the IARC classification putting it in the same category as sunlight, red wine and beer.

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In spite of the consternation caused by the report in professional circles, there has been little insight into how the IARC could evaluate all of the relevant scientific evidence and come up with an impossibly vague conclusion.

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Finally, IARC reaches its assessments by consensus.

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According to Dr. Vijayalaxmi, in issuing its report IARC wanted to send a message that we still have limited information about the possible effects of prolonged and heavy use of cell phones, especially among users who start as children and adolescents.

FORBES: Behind The World Health Organization's "Cancerous" Pronouncement On Cell Phones