Health report boost for mobile phone industry

Date: 22/11/01

By Peter Chapman

EU scientists are set to give a clean bill of health to the telecoms industry in a new report on the cancer risks posed by exposure to radiation from mobile phones and masts.

Health Commissioner David Byrne's spokeswoman Beate Gminder said scientists from the EU committee on toxicity, eco-toxicity and the environment were finalising the report - but stressed it would show there was no cause for concern, provided companies operate within existing health guidelines.

"From all that we have seen so far, you can continue to keep your mobile phones running, said Gminder.

Claims that mobile phones pose a risk of cancers and other serious illnesses have threatened to blight the multi-billion-euro market that is rapidly gaining ground on traditional fixed-line phones.

There are currently 240 million European mobile phone users and the sector enjoys an average penetration rate of 70 across member states.

Michael Milligan, secretary-general of the Mobile Manufacturers Forum, welcomed the report's findings.

He said it was the latest in a line of positive studies conducted in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. "All these reports are giving more and more assurance," he added.

The latest report focused specifically on the adequacy of the EU's recommendation to governments on safe levels of radiation emitted by mobile equipment. Although not legally binding, all bar

Italy and Belgium meet or surpass the stated levels.

Milligan said the report would add to pressure on the two countries to raise their domestic standards in line with the rest of Europe.

The report is set to be unveiled at a Luxembourg conference organised by the Commission's health department later this month.

EU scientists are set to give a clean bill of health to the telecoms industry in a new report on the cancer risks posed by exposure to radiation from mobile phones and masts.