Health Fears Over Plans for Phone Masts in Your Home

Controversial plans to install mini mobile phone masts in homes and offices in return for cheap phone calls were unveiled by O2 today. The phone network hopes to use the masts, called picocells, to allow customers to make calls over the internet using their mobile phone.

Mobile calls made within range of the customer's mast will be converted into internet calls and sent via a broadband connection, allowing a saving on mobile bills.

"We can put the (mobile phone mast) radio into the home or office," said Dave Williams, chief technology officer for Telefonica-O2 Europe. Critics say the plans will simply add to the health risk surrounding mobile phone masts. However, an O2 spokesman said: "The picocell will work at a lower power than normal base stations. There is no scientific evidence linking mobile phones with health problems and we will continue to fund independent research into this area."

The Health Protection Agency has previously advised that the radiation exposure from picocells was safe but advised caution on the question of all mobile phone masts. It also called for more research into the area. The agency's report said exposures in proximity to picocells have been found to be well within safe levels for the public.

However, it also called for tough new rules to be brought in governing the mini-masts.

"There is a need for clarity in terms of legal responsibilities and regulations in relation to the installation of microcells and picocells and the availability of information about their deployment," it said.

But Karen Barrett of the campaign group Mast Sanity said: "People should not buy these picocells. Even if on their own they do not pose a problem, having one in every living room and office means all the radiation adds up. People already have wi-fi connections in their homes - this is just making the problems worse."

O2 has already revealed a prototype picocell box that combines a domestic broadband internet router and a GSM mobile phone base station which O2 said could cost less than £70 when it goes on sale next year. O2 is looking for customers to take part in trials. Rival firms require customers to buy a separate internet phone which uses wi-fi signals to communicate with their wireless broadband network.

Experts say the fact the system does not require customers to buy a new phone could see it succeed.

"Users feel comfortable using their existing mobile phones, so using those could be the sweet, simple solution right under our noses without any of the complexity of having a wireless network," said Richard Webb, an analyst at Infonetics Research.
Mail on Line, 21st November 2006

Ban Mobiles in Schools

TEACHERS have been ordered to ban their pupils from using their mobile phones amid rising safety fears. UK Education secretary David Blunkett has taken the unusual step of writing to ALL schools in England and Wales. Mr Blunkett said mobile phones should only be used by pupils under 16 in EMERGENCIES.

A spokesman for Mr Blunkett said: "We felt we had to issue guidance on the widespread use of mobile phones in schools. The department of Health is taking the lead but we have a responsibility where pupils are concerned. We felt we had to get the message across that the non-essential use of mobile phones should be discouraged."

Mr Blunkett's order to schools follows an investigation led by ex-Government chief scientist Sir William Stewart earlier this year. He warned that children could be susceptible to damage from radiation because their immune system is not fully developed. He also pointed out that the younger the child, the more years they could be exposed to radiation.

The report backed claims that minor health complaints like headaches, earaches and skin problems may be linked to mobiles.
The Sun, UK Press, November 2003

Health Warning on Mobile Use by 91% of Preteens
by Mark Prigg

PARENTS were warned today about the dangers of giving their children a mobile phone. As a survey revealed that 91 per cent of 12-year-olds now have a mobile, the Health Protection Agency called for parents to limit their use.

"If there are risks - and we think that there could be - then the people who are going to be most affected are children," said Dr Jill Meara of the Health Protection Agency. "We would call on parents to make sure they examine all the evidence before deciding if they will give their children a phone. They do have a benefit but nothing in life is without some hazards, and you need to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. We will not know for several years what the real risks of mobile phones are."

There are fears that the electromagnetic radiation emitted from handsets may harm health. In particular, there have been claims that it could affect the body's cells, brain or immune system and increase the risk of developing a range of diseases from cancer to Alzheimer's. The government advises a "precautionary approach" and Dr Meara warned children to limit the time they spend on the phone. She said: "If you're going to have an hour-long chat with your boyfriend, do it on a landline. It's also worth sending a text instead if you can, as that cuts the amount of time you are exposed to radiation."

Mobile phone companies today claimed that increased use has helped children communicate more effectively.

"The mobile has become the most important electronic device for young people in the UK today," said Charles Dunstone, chief executive officer of The Carphone Warehouse Group, which commissioned the study. "It provides them with a social network, a sense of security and access to entertainment. But most importantly it provides them with a sense of belonging to their peer group."

The HPA called for government leaflets outlining the potential risk of mobile phones to be given to every buyer. "These leaflets were available a few years ago, but seem to have disappeared," said Dr Meara. "They really need an update."

The study found that just a quarter of 11 to 17-year-olds are worried that their mobile phone might harm their health, compared to one third of parents.

Most young people also admitted they were concerned their phone put them at risk from muggers.

The Mobile Operators Association, which represents all the UK's mobile networks, said the decision on whether to have a phone was up to parents. "Mobile technology offers reassurance to parents and children who value being able to stay in touch with one another," said a spokesman. "Parents can weigh these benefits against health concerns. All mobile phones sold in the UK comply with international health and safety exposure guidelines adopted by the European Council of Health Ministers in 1999"
Evening Standard, 19th September 2006