On mobile phone
Contrary to suggestions in your article (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 12: How safe for your brain is your cell phone?), mobile phones are designed, built and tested to comply with strict science based guidelines which are recognized by international health agencies around the world as providing ample protection for users.
Furthermore, based on comprehensive reviews of the available research, the world's leading health authorities agree there is no substantiated scientific evidence of health effects from mobile phones that comply with strict international safety guidelines.
Recent expert assessment confirming the scientific consensus on mobile phone safety include the World Health Organization (2000), a specially formed expert group of eminent scientists in the UK (2000); and the governments of France (2001), Australia (2001), Canada (1999) and Britain (1999).
The WHO has responded to public concerns by initiating a large scale multinational research project to further advance the science and by providing and recommending reliable and accurate information to assist people to make informed choices in relation to mobile technology and health. The industry actively supports this approach.
The WHO has estimated that in excess of S100 million is being spent on the various research projects that form part of its coordinated program. The Mobile Manufacturers Forum is using the WHO research agenda as the framework for all the research we are doing. All of these research projects are managed independently from the industry and most of it is funded in conjunction with other government agencies.
All mobile phones comply with stringent international safety standards, which apply to all people. The available scientific evidence gives us reason to be confident in the safety of this technology, which offers significant benefits in terms of convenience, personal security and safety.
For information on mobile phone health/safety issues see the WHO website: www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact193.
MICHAEL MILLIGAN
Secretary-General
Mobile Manufacturers Forum
Brussels Belgium