The mobile phone industry relies on the expert advice of independent national and international health agencies on mobile safety, AMTA has said in a letter published in the Canberra Times.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said in the letter that a recent article (Growing research links brain tumours to heavy mobile phone use, April 4) claimed there is a growing body of research linking mobile phone use and brain cancer, however, the scientific consensus from bodies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), is that there is no substantiated evidence to support such claims.

Specifically on mobile phones and health, the WHO says:

…the overall evidence available to date does not suggest that the use of mobile phones has any detrimental effect on human health.

The most recent expert review from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, found no evidence cancer is linked to mobile phone use.

The 2008 World Cancer report found:

With reference to radio frequency, available data do not show any excess risk of brain cancer and other neoplasms associated with the use of mobile phones.

The Canberra Times had published an article reporting Canberra neurosurgeon's claims that there is a growing research link between brain tumours and heavy mobile phone use for more than 10 years.

Another neurosurgeon on 60 Minutes recently claimed that there had been an “exponential rise” in brain cancer. This statement is at odds with the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

According to the IARC World Cancer Report 2008, the incidence of brain tumours since the introduction of widespread mobile phone use has remained relatively stable:

“After 1983 and more recently during the period of increasing prevalence of mobile phone users, the incidence has remained relatively stable for both men and women.” (IARC World Cancer Report 2008 P461)

The International safety guidelines for mobile phones are designed to protect people of all ages including children, and incorporate large safety factors. However, recognizing that some parents may be concerned about mobile phone usage by children, the WHO advises the following:

“Present scientific evidence does not indicate the need for any special precautions for the use of mobile phones. If individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children’s RF exposure by limiting the length of calls, or by using ‘hands-free’ devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body.”

AMTA takes all aspects of mobile phone safety very seriously and supports ongoing research into this important area.

Additional Information

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

www.emfexplained.info