15 studies to find out if mobile phones are dangerous

DETAILS of a pounds 7.4 million investigation into the health risks of mobile phones, including whether their use can cause brain tumours, were revealed today.

Fifteen separate studies into the potential dangers of mobile phone use were unveiled in a research programme jointly funded by government and industry.

The research was launched amid confusion about the safety of mobile phones and aerial masts. Two years ago the Stewart Inquiry reported there was no evidence that mobile phones were a health hazard and could cause brain or nervous system cancers.

Nevertheless, the report concluded that radiation from handsets and base station masts could cause "subtle biological changes".

Sir William Stewart, who chaired the inquiry and launched the new research programme, said today: "The public wants to know, and we want to know, whether mobile phone technology has a direct effect on them."

Referring to some of the studies revealed today, Sir William, who now chairs an independent committee of experts managing the new Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme, said: "There are studies looking at brain function, one looking at whether brain tumours are increased by phone use, leukaemia, and the possible effect on hearing and on driving.

"This does not mean these effects are there - it is something on which we need scientifically robust information.

We want to determine the effects of mobile phone use on people."

A handful of scientists continue to say that mobiles are potentially dangerous. They claim that even if it is possible to ignore serious hazards such as cancer, users may suffer noises in the head, headaches and other symptoms.

More confusion reigns over conflicting evidence about the protection offered by " handsfree" handsets.

An initial pounds 4.7 million of the money has been released. A second set of research proposals will be evaluated shortly. Much of the research is expected to last three years.

One study will focus on the effects of radiation on children. Sir William said: "If results are found with adults we will be looking very carefully at what the knockon effects would be for children."

There was evidence, he said, that text messaging exposed children to less radiation than phone calls.

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