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Implanted RFID Chips Linked To Cancer

Posted by kdawson on from the probably-too-late-to-sell-verichip dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The Associated Press is reporting that microchip implants have induced cancer in laboratory animals and dogs. A series of research articles spanning more than a decade found that mice and rats injected with glass-encapsulated RFID transponders developed malignant, fast-growing, lethal cancers in up to 1% to 10% of cases. The tumors originated in the tissue surrounding the microchips and often grew to completely surround the devices. To date, about 2,000 RFID devices have been implanted in humans worldwide, according to VeriChip Corp." We recently discussed the California ban on companies requiring such implants.

3 of 247 comments (clear)

  1. Lack of Science. by edibobb · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "none of the studies had a control group of animals that did not get chips, the normal rate of tumors cannot be determined and compared to the rate with chips implanted." The AP (and the Slashdot post) report this as if it were a fact that RFID emissions cause cancer. You cannot intelligently draw that conclusion from these studies, since there was no control group with inert RFIDs implanted. This is yet another inaccurate portrayal of an inconclusive, pseudo-scientific paper as fact. When I am emporer, I will require all journalists to take a remedial science course. "studies have shown..." == "here comes a crock..."

  2. Re:Someone better tell Carrie from MythBusters by Limburgher · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Hey now, that's really crude. Here I am expressing a legitimate concern for the health of another human being where it may very well be warranted, and all you can do is make 5th-grade level jokes.

    Her health ought to be first priority. Her dreamaliciousness must come second. Er, . . .

    --

    You are not the customer.

  3. Foreign object, with a coating... by mpaque · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The chip is a foreign object in the body, a glass capsule. It's not surprising that the body reacts to it in some way, trying to encapsulate it. These devices also include a coating to promote growth of connective tissue in the vicinity of the device so as to anchor it and prevent movement of the capsule.

    So, what we have here is a biologically active foreign object. This result is, unfortunately, not surprising.

    So, will Citywatcher.com be laying off their data center workers as being 'at-risk' for higher future medical costs?