Major document on mobile phones and health

Jan 17 2005

The Board of NRPB has published a major document on mobile phones and health. The review updates an earlier report published in 2000 by the UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones and Health (IEGMP, Chairman Sir William Stewart).

The main conclusion is that there is no hard evidence at present that the health of the public, in general, is being affected adversely by the use of mobile phone technologies, but uncertainties remain and a continued precautionary approach to their use is recommended until the situation is further clarified.

In line with the use of a precautionary approach the document also recommends that:

• improvements be made in ensuring ready access by the public to all up to date and relevant information related to the use of mobile phones and of masts.
• the planning process associated with the erection of mobile phone base stations be subject to independent review.
• the legal responsibilities and regulations in relation to the installation of microcells and picocells should be clarified and more information about their deployment be made available.
• monitoring of potential exposures from 3G base stations be carried out concomitantly with the rollout of the network.
• a formal inspection procedure be set in place to ensure that exclusion zones around base stations are clearly identified.
• comparative information on the SAR values of different phones be made readily available to better inform consumer choice.
• particular attention be given to how best to minimise exposure of potentially vulnerable sub-groups such as children and to consider the possibility that there may be other sub-groups who may be particularly sensitive to radiowaves.
• a continuing research programme on the possible health effects of mobile phone technologies be strongly supported.

The Board also places high importance on accumulating knowledge of exposure levels and possible biological effects of TETRA based technology used by the police. It additionally welcomes the intention of government to increase the penalty for the offence of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving by making it endorsable with three penalty points and an increased fine of £60.

Sir William Stewart, Chairman of the NRPB, said:

“In relation to mobile phone technology, our primary focus at NRPB is to ensure that the health and well-being of the general public is not being adversely affected by this technology. 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 fact is that 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 – and sometimes even as a fashion accessory. But because everyone has one does not necessarily mean that they are without potential adverse health effects".

Sir William also said:

"The fact is that the widespread use of mobile phones is a relatively recent phenomenon and it is possible that adverse health effects could emerge after years of prolonged use. The evidence base necessary to allow us to make firm judgements has not yet been accumulated. What we can say is that there is as yet no hard evidence of adverse health effects on the general public, but because of the current uncertainties we recommend a continued precautionary approach to the use of mobile phone technologies. This approach should be adopted by all involved in this area – including government, the mobile phone industry and all who choose to purchase a mobile phone for themselves, or their family, or their children”.