Parents are urged to cut children's use of mobiles

By David Derbyshire, Science Correspondent

12:00AM GMT 09 Dec 2000

PARENTS should limit their children's use of mobile phones in case a health problem emerges in years to come, the Government urged yesterday.

The possible health risks of mobiles are to be highlighted in a £7 million scheme in which more than a million leaflets will be sent to post offices, shops and libraries. An inquiry, led by Sir William Stewart, the former chief scientific adviser, concluded that there was no evidence of a health threat but said use by children should be limited as a precaution.

The leaflet drop was disclosed as part of the Health Department's research programme into the potential health effects of phones and transmitters. Details of an audit of base stations to assess radiation emission, starting with those near school buildings, were also announced. Prof Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, said: "It is essential that we provide people with the evidence on the issue to allow them to make an informed choice about using their mobile phones."

The new leaflet states: "The balance of current research evidence suggests that exposures to radio waves below levels set out in international guidelines do not cause health problems for the general population. However, there is some evidence that changes in brain activity can occur below these guidelines, but it isn't clear why. There are significant gaps in our scientific knowledge."

Anyone concerned about the potential, if unproven, risk should keep their calls short and consider buying a less powerful phone. Young people are encouraged to use mobiles for essential purposes only, and to keep calls short. Experts regard children as being at special risk because they have thin skulls and a developing immune system.

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The leaflets signal a U-turn over hands-free kits. The Department of Trade and Industry had said the kits could reduce radiation exposure but, after a series of conflicting studies, including two by the Consumers Association that found that kits increased emission to parts of the brain, their effectiveness was seen as uncertain. From next year, mobile phones will carry a label showing how much energy they emit. Half of the £7 million research fund will come from the mobile phone industry.
Penny Young, a Consumers' Association director, said: "The Government's adoption of the precautionary principle represents a sea change in the communication of risk and is to be applauded." The Federation of the Electronics Industry (FEI), which represents mobile phone manufacturers, said customer health and safety was a "priority".
A spokesman said: "The precautionary approach recommended by the Stewart Report and endorsed by the Government is based on a 'risk of a risk', and parents will need to weigh up a number of considerations when making choices about their children's mobile phone use. These include the security benefits provided by parents being able to stay in touch with their children." The FEI said mobiles used with or without a hands-free kit "meet relevant radio frequency exposure guidelines".