With all the ways cell phones are reported to cause health problems, who can keep track of them?

Computerworld writer Mike Elgan recently summarized the alleged threats. Here’s his list of the ways your cell phone is might be trying to cause you serious physical trauma:

• Cancer — This one’s been tossed around for a while but got a second wind recently when the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute sent a memo asking employees to limit cell phone use because of the possible cancer risk.
• Traffic accidents — Even though many people would agree that using a phone while driving raises the risks, there are plenty of cases of accidents involving drivers talking — or even texting — while behind the wheel.
• Child development problems — A survey by the Danish National Birth Cohort claims exposure to cell phone signals (before and after birth) raises the likelihood a child will suffer from hyperactivity and other behavioral and social problems.
• Lightning strikes — Russian officials say cell phones are to blame for an increase in deaths caused by lightning. (The theory is that a cell phone in use will attract the bolt.)

Does any of this mean cell phone users (i.e., most likely you and all of your employees) are at risk and should stop?

It depends on who you ask. You can read Elgan’s take here.

The main problem: All of the claims are anecdotal — there aren’t any real numbers to back them up.

Tags: accidents, cancer, cell phones, risks, threats