One potential reason is the real fear factor in messing with things that we don't completely understand.

The inherent unsteadiness of the scientific method - hypothesis, design of experiments and subsequent theory as outcome - means.... just perhaps.... that there's a chance that

A) We didn't ask the right questions or
B) We don't have the equipment that can detect changes yet

We do the best with what we can, but the nagging unknown is what will keep this article and others like it in play.

The main factor for our nation's obsession with all 'fear factors' is that huge government grants get issued to 'scientists' wishing to study 'possible effects' of anything. Every time you see a new news 'story' stating a study(about 20 a day if you look just through the mainstream media outlets) represents the fruit of a large grant. Most end with more study(money) being needed. Whether it's cell phones, global warming, or human sexuality, fear is a huge business.

There's a reason that what causes (supposed)global warming or why your child wont pay attention in class are in their 300th different conclusion reached and counting. If someone can make $130K per appearance discussing major 'issues', you better believe more study is needed....If you're really good, you can tie a study in with a pharmaceutical company or government agency and make the big time.

Americans gobble up the propaganda of fear and sensationalism like candy, and look for real facts like its tax code. It sells papers, and makes many rich coming with with new and improved things to worry about, no matter what the REAL cost ends up being in the end. 1 minute 11 seconds of a 'fear' story on the news is all it takes for a little hysteria, and a lot of cash flow.

I forgot to add that the TRUE studies are often not well financed, popular in the media, and are often concluded long after the fear-mongering sensationalized ones(or even multiple inaccurate ones) long after the checks were cashed and we've moved 1000-fold to new 'problems'. Billions of dollars later Americans have no idea if even simple things like milk or water are even good or bad for you in the first place. When were the first cell phone cancer fear stories and studies starting up and reported by the media? 7, 8 years ago?

we can never tell if there is an effect caused by cell phones, because there are way to many. evryon has a cellphone now days, so how can we tell if it causes cancer?

i did here about some school board getting mad at the cell companies for putting cell towers near a school, but cell towers are stronger than a little 2x6 phone.