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.

Now the debate’s been revived with wild speculation about a link between Senator Edward Kennedy’s cancer and his use of a mobile phone.

How many employees in your organization spend a big chunk of their days with cell phones smacked up against their ears? The answer’s likely “Plenty.”

Many researchers say there’s no evidence that proves the link. But an Australian neurosurgeon recently made headlines after conducting a review of data on the topic.

The low-level radiation emitted by mobile phones is thought to be the possible cause of cancerous tumors by some researchers.

The Australian doc says these kinds of tumors are slow to develop and cell phones haven’t been in use long enough to disprove the connection.

Though the link isn’t crystal clear, if your company issues mobile phones or mandates their use for some workers, you may want to think about taking some precautions now that will prevent future tragedy and the lawsuits that can often follow.

One suggestion from health pros: Use wired earphones with small microphones attached. This keeps the phone away from the head. (Note: Bluetooth sets won’t help. They emit the same kind of radiation as phones.)