On mobile phone
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