HL Deb 11 November 1998 vol 594 c103WA
The Earl of Denbigh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of any potential health risk associated with the operation of mobile phones; and, if so, what action they propose to take. [HL3738]

Baroness Hayman

The Government obtain advice from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) on the risks to health from exposure to electromagnetic fields, including those emitted by mobile phones. The NRPB's advice is that mobile phones currently used in the United Kingdom comply with their exposure guidelines (Restrictions on human exposure to static and time varying electromagnetic fields and radiation. Documents of the NRPB 4, No. 5, 7–63 (1993)). These guidelines are intended to prevent acute adverse responses to increased heat load and elevated body temperature. Copies of the guidelines have been placed in the Library.

Research into the possible long-term health effects of electromagnetic fields in general is being undertaken on a worldwide basis. The Department of Health and the Health and Safety Executive are currently supporting the World Health Organisation's project on electromagnetic fields and health.