Mobile Health Alert
Limit your call time say experts
by James Chapman

Parents will today be told to curb the amount of call time their children spend on mobile phones. The warning comes on the back of Government research into the health impact of the devices.

Several recent studies have highlighted potential risks including that of developing tumours.

But the scientists at the National Radiological Protection Board, a Government watchdog, say the evidence is inconclusive.

A source close to the board's investigation - details of which will be unveiled today - says it will advise all mobile phone users to adopt a 'precautionary principle'.

Experts are especially concerned by high mobile usage among youngsters. Around a quarter of the 47 million people with handsets in Britain are under 18.

The latest review will confirm that, in the few studies so far conducted on mobile phone use and cancer risk, no link has been found.

It will, however, point to Scandinavian research that suggests a higher risk of developing brain tumours.

The Swedish experts found that users of analogue mobile phones, which are now obsolete, were at 3.5 times the risk of developing a benign tumour.

A Finnish study, meanwhile, showed a doubling of the risk of brain tumours after two years of mobile phone use. The NRPB source added: "There's still nothing definite on the cancer issue. The problem is that no one is ever going to be able to say that mobile phones and masts are absolutely safe."
The Daily Mail, 14th January, 2004

Further Resources
Worried about mobile phones and masts and want to do something?
For information, research and advice,
www.mastsanity.org
www.s-c-r-a-m.co.uk