Cellphones safe - for now
2004-01-14 21:17
London - There is no evidence linking cellphones to cancer or other health problems, but more research needs to be done to be sure, said a panel of British experts on Wednesday.
The scientists, who are advising the British government, said existing research into the health effects of cellphones "does not give cause for concern".
But the panel said knowledge about the health effects of exposure to radio waves emitted by cellphones "has limitations, and cellphones have only been in widespread use for a relatively short time".
"The possibility therefore remains open that there could be health effects from exposure to RF (radio frequency) fields below guideline levels; hence continued research is needed," the report said.
The findings of the panel, chaired by epidemiologist Anthony Swerdlow, broadly agree with those of an earlier advisory group which issued a report in 2000.
On the Net:
Advisory group on non-iodising radiation: www.nrpb.org/advisory-groups/agnir
- AP