Brain tumor from cell phone radiation an occupational disease?
For the first time, an Italian court has recognized as an occupational disease a brain tumor suspected to have been caused by continuous use of a cell phone.
It is the first ruling of its kind in the world: An Italian court has recognized that an employee's brain tumor was caused by excessive use of a cell phone - and must therefore be recognized as an occupational disease.
The affected Roberto Romeo, now 57 years old and deaf in one ear due to his brain tumor, stated that he had spent three to four hours a day on the phone for 15 years due to his job. Fortunately for him, the tumor was benign - but his right auditory nerve had to be removed along with the tumor.
Social security must pay
A medical expert attested to Romeo that 23% of his physical functions are impaired today. The judge therefore awarded him compensation of 500 euros per month, which INAIL, the Italian Social Insurance for Occupational Injuries, will have to pay in the future.
This is the first time a court has confirmed the link between excessive use of a cell phone and a brain tumor, according to Romeo's lawyers Stefano Bertone and Renato Ambrosio in a statement.
Numerous studies confirm that normal use of a cell phone poses no risk to human health; however, there is evidence that excessive use does pose a risk. Other experts emphasize that it is still too early to make a definitive judgment on the long-term effects of cell phone radiation, as the technology is still relatively young.
