A study released by the European Union this week concluded that RF waves emanating from cellphones damage body cells in DNA in laboratory conditions. The study did not postulate that cell phones are necessarily a health risk, instead stating that more tests are necessary outside of the lab to reach more conclusive results.

The research project, conducted in seven European countries and coordinated by German Research Group Verum, studied the effects of radiation emitted by cell phones on human and animal tissue over four years. The study found that cells exposed showed significant increases in breaks in DNA strands--damage that can’t be easily repaired by the cells. If they go unrepaired the cells could reproduce themselves with the damaged DNA intact, creating mutated cells. Mutated cells are believed to be a possible cause of cancer.

The study was quick to point out that the controlled lab conditions might not be a measure of how cell phone radiation would affect human cells in real everyday conditions. Researchers concluded that another several years of study were necessary using live animals and human volunteers outside of the laboratory. Still, scientists cautioned people to take precautions, such as using a wireline phone when one is available.

Sony-Ericsson and Motorola both issued statements to media outlets today saying other equally credible studies have been released showing no link between DNA damage and cell phone usage. Both companies told Reuters that they are waiting for further scientific evaluation of Verum’s results.