Mobile Phones & Health

The effect on human health from the use of mobile phones is a controversial subject. However, at present it's still not possible to give a definite answer regarding the health risks associated with the use of mobile phones. Even though there are a number of research programmes currently taking place, there is little evidence to confirm that the radiation emitted from mobile phones can cause health problems.

The Department of Health's Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) have concluded that as there are significant gaps in our scientific knowledge in relation to the use of mobile phones, that "a precautionary approach" should  be adopted until more research findings become available. The IEGMP have therefore called for further research and, as a result, the Department of Health has set up a task force to study the effects of radiation from mobile phones.

Whist the jury is still out on the health effects of mobile phones, the Department of Health and its independent expert group recommend a safety-first approach to the use of mobile phones. They recommend that you use mobile phones for essential purposes only; keep all calls short - talking for long periods prolongs exposure and should be discouraged; children should only use mobile phones for essential calls, and keep these calls short.

For more information about the health issues associated with the use of mobile phones the following websites offer a range of views :

For the official government view :
Department of Health - Mobile Phones and Health
www.doh.gov.uk/mobilephones/mobilephones.htm

For a journalistic perspective on this issue take a look at the New Scientist Special Investigation into Mobile Phones :
www.newscientist.com/nsplus/insight/phones/mobilephones.html

To find out what the manufacturers of mobile phones have to say :
Ericsson
www.ericsson.com/health/
Alcatel
www.alcatel.com/citizenship/environment/rub6.htm
Nokia
www.nokia.com/environment/index.html
Motorola
www.motorola.com/EHS/environment/policy/
Panasonic
www.mcuk.panasonic.co.uk/2001/environment.html