Mobile phone health risks to be investigated

[Posted: Tue 04/11/2003 - www.irishhealth.com]

By Deborah Condon

A Dail committee is to begin a major investigation into whether mobile phones are bad for our health.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will investigate the safety of mobile phones in relation to radiation and overall damage to the human brain.

Recent research from Finland suggests that radiation from mobile phones can cause changes in the brain and that even low-level emissions from handsets are damaging.

Meanwhile the World Health Organisation last year warned parents against letting their children spend too much time on mobile phones because tests showed higher electromagnetic waves in places where mobiles are frequently used.

The committee will hold hearings into the matter and will consult with the Oireachtas Health and Environment Committees. Cancer and radiation experts will be invited to appear, as well as Department of Health officials and experts in the field of mobile phone technology.

"While I understand there has been no conclusive scientific evidence to prove any long-term negative effect of mobile phone usage, some recent studies have suggested otherwise. I believe this information is strong enough to merit more research", said committee chairman and Fianna Fail TD, Noel O'Flynn.

The committee is expected to begin its investigation 'over the coming months', he added.