MPs want new radiation limits on mobile phones

The all-party Commons Science and Technology Committee has issued a call for quick action to head off the potential dangers of the microwave radiation generated by mobile phones.

The committee agrees with the National Radiological Protection Board that there is no hard evidence that this radiation is actually harmful. It has, however, taken the view that 'a precautionary measure' is appropriate, pending more research.

Independent research is already underway, reflecting the fact that current exposure limits were defined well before the recent explosion in the use of mobiles. BT Cellnet estimates that one in four people in the UK owns a mobile phone, with that number likely to double within two years.

Mobiles have been blamed for headaches, memory loss, nausea and cancer.

The Commons committee is calling for a cut in acceptable emissions to one-fifth of the present level. This would bring the UK into line with limits already in place elsewhere in the EU.

MPs also criticised the low levels of government funding for research. Committee chairman Dr Michael Clark described it as sufficient to support 'one man and a dog'.

Elliott Chase