Continuing concerns over use of mobile phones: Report

A major document published by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), has again raised the question of whether or not mobile phones are harmful.

The review, which is an update of a report by the UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones and Health, issued in 2000, states that while there is no hard evidence of health risks being posed by mobile phone use, there are still "uncertainties".

The NRPB is warning that "a continued precautionary approach" should be used until further research into the subject is conducted.

Chairman of the NRPB, Sir William Stewart, urged everyone to adopt this approach, especially children, who are described as "potentially vulnerable" to any health risks that may arise as the result of mobile phone use. Sir William said that the use of mobile phones was a "relatively recent phenomenon" and indicated that it was possible that "adverse health effects could emerge after years of prolonged use".

The report also recommended that the public should have ready access to all up-to-date information on mobile phones and masts and that a continuing research programme on the possible health effects of mobile phone technology should be "strongly supported". It also called for an independent review of the planning processes for the construction of mobile phone base stations.

In a statement issued by the NRPB, Sir William said: "Today there are over 50 million mobile phones in use in the UK, compared with 4.5 million a decade ago and numbers in use have doubled since 2000. The use of mobile phones is now part of every-day life as an important means of easy communication by industry, security services and the general public – but because everyone has one, does not necessarily mean that they are without potential adverse health effects."

The NRPB report also welcomed the government's plans to increase the penalty for using a hand-held mobile while driving, to three penalty points and a fine of £60.

(KMcA/SP)