|
11 January 2005 - Professor Warns of Potential
Health Risk to Children Using Mobile Phones
Navigation
Professor Sir William Stewart, Chairman of the National
Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), has announced his concern over the
potential health risks to children between the ages of 3 and 8 years, by the use
of mobile phones.
He has based his comments on a report from Europe, which shows
concern over tumours in the ears and the using of mobile phones, which Professor
Stewart believes may affect children. Although there are concerns
over such potential risks, there is no conclusive proof.
A study carried out by the Independent Expert Group in 2000,
which Professor Stewart also chaired, submitted an inconclusive decision and
recommended a precautionary approach to the use of mobile phones and alerted
parents to discourage children from using handsets.
Professor Stewart said:
"If there are risks - and we think there may be risks - then the
people who are going to be most affected are children, and the younger the
child, the greater the danger."
Professor Lawrie Challis, Vice-chairman of the Stewart Inquiry
and Chairman of the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme
commented:
"I would certainly not wish my own grandchildren to use mobile
phones more than they had to.
"We do not have clear evidence to say children are more vulnerable but there are
several reasons why they might be more vulnerable if some health effect was
found."
Although a study in 2004 by the Karolinska Institute of Sweden
suggested that the risk of ear tumours by the use of a mobile phone, over a 10
year period quadrupled the risks, research published also in 2004, by Dr.
Andrew Burgess, lecturing in sociology in Kent University rejected claims that
mobile phone usage was harmful in this way.
Dr. Burgess commented:
"I do not know why these latest warnings are being made, they
are exactly the same as was said five years ago. As far as I am concerned mobile
phones are safe to use.
"There may be some unknown risk that could appear at some
unknown date in the future but we have to balance that against the benefits of
using them."
Whilst the Executive Director of the Mobile Operators Assembly
Mr. Mike Dolan said:
"Families do go out there and purchase mobile phones for
their children very often for very tangible security benefits."
However, Jean Phillips, a Powerwatch spokeswoman commented:
"The reality is that evidence for harmful effects of mobile
phones has grown in the last five years. Despite this, more youngsters are using
the phones than ever.
"The Government must now demonstrate it is taking this issue seriously and issue
a strong health alert.
"We believe there should be a ban on all mobile phones services which appeal to
children such as the handset games and the pop music downloads."
Article by Alexandra Johnston
|
