Parker Waichman LLP

Doctor Who Released Cancer Advisory Plans Large Cell Phone Study

Dr. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers, very recently made headlines by issuing a staff advisory on the potential cancer risks of cell phone use.  Now Herberman is looking to create a research project focusing on long-term cell phone users.  Last week’s announcement represented the first time […]

Dr. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers, very recently made headlines by issuing a staff advisory on the potential <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/diseases">cancer risks of cell phone use.  Now Herberman is looking to create a research project focusing on long-term cell phone users.  Last week’s announcement represented the first time a U.S. cancer center director issued an advisory to staff and faculty on the potential health risks of cell phone use.

Herberman said he is talking with others, including a researcher at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Dr. Devra Davis, director of the Pitt cancer institute’s Center for Environmental Oncology.  “We don’t want to frighten people.  We want them to take precautions,” Davis announced on CNN’s “Larry King Live.”  Herberman is hoping to secure phone records from cell phone companies or customers so that the research can better identify long-term users who might be at increased risk for health problems, such as brain tumors.   Herberman pointed out other studies’ research tends to rely on user recollections.  Herberman plans to seek funding from organizations such as the National Cancer Institute, once a proposal is developed.

“Recently I have become aware of the growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer,” Herberman wrote in the memo. “Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use.”  The memo provided suggestions to limit exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones, such as shortening the length of conversations and distancing cell phones from one’s head by text messaging or using headsets or speakerphones; he recommended children not use cell phones except in emergencies.

Herberman acknowledged some colleagues questioned the scientific basis for linking cell phone use with cancer risk and some leading groups also remain unconvinced.  For instance, the American Cancer Society says there is no firm evidence linking cell phone use to brain cancer.  But, Herberman said studies brought to his attention as well as precautions issues on cell phone use by other countries and Toronto public health officials, prompted his actions.  With Davis, Herberman drafted the advisory that was then released to about 3,000 personnel at the institute and the cancer centers.  The two revised and issued portions of a document, endorsed by them and other members of an international expert panel, which urged precautions.

Herberman said he had no financial incentive and objected to suggestions in some of the news coverage, particularly a widely circulated Associated Press story, that he based his concerns on unpublished data.  “My own take on all the available reports is that they suggest a problem to be concerned about,” he said. Simple precautions, he added, would be “prudent to adopt in order to reduce potential risk.”

Dr. Louis Slesin, editor of Microwave News, which tracks research related to cell phone safety, said Herberman’s advisory was important because study information is often slow in coming and the issue is further complicated because cell phone technology continues to evolve.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Awesome attorneys!
Glenn Rice
7 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Mrs Michele Josama is very helpful and patient. It is such a pleasure dealing with her. Great job Parker Waichman!!!
marc rene
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My sister was exposed to 9/11 toxins and developed several types of cancer. She chose Parker Waichman to engage the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and was assigned Tina Morace as her paralegal. Tina was helpful, professional and compassionate in helping us gather medical records and other important information required for the case. Tina was clear and concise in followup queries from the Fund and was quick to respond to our questions. When my sister's condition deteriorated and she passed, Tina was so thoughtful, patient and helpful when I had to address continued Fund followup questions. I will always be thankful for having Tina in our lives. She helped make my sister's last years easier in this aspect. And she was a knowledgeable friend to me, assisting in information gathering and consoling me in my loss. Thank you Parker Waichman. Thank you Tina Morace. Thank you Tina Morace.
Karen Carr
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038