EARLIER this year, an independent group of experts commissioned by the
British government reported on whether the use of mobile phones might affect
health. It is an important issue. The use of mobile phones is growing
exponentially, and they are especially popular with teenagers.
Unfortunately, the report came back with one of those 鈥渞ead this as you like
but we are covered鈥� conclusions: 鈥淚t is not possible at present to say that
exposure to RF radiation, even at levels below national guidelines, is totally
without potential adverse health effects鈥�.
The government has taken this to mean 鈥渘o evidence of harm鈥�. It should have
been read as 鈥淲e are not sure, so let鈥檚 find out鈥攁nd quickly鈥�.
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This week there is more confusion over whether hands-free accessories
increase or decrease the amount of radiation entering the head, and whether that
radiation can be easily blocked
(see 鈥淕ive us a ring鈥�).
Let鈥檚 get some proper national and
international standards quickly, please. Just remember all those 鈥渘o evidence
that . . .鈥� statements at the beginning of the BSE epidemic.