§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from mobile phone communications companies on the health aspects of the use of mobile phones. [69017]
§ Ms JowellThree mobile phone communications companies have made representations to the Department to discuss areas of common interest. In addition, Departmental officials have had discussions with the industry about possible research initiatives.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department has issued on the potential health effects of the use of mobile phones; and what plans he has to commission further research in this area. [69016]
§ Ms JowellThe 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)). Copies are available in the Library. These guidelines are intended to prevent acute adverse responses to increased heat load and elevated body temperature. The basis of these guidelines is the same as those of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Both organisations agree that the alleged (or potential) non-thermal effects which have occasionally been reported should not form the basis of exposure restrictions.
Research into potential effects of microwaves such as those emitted by mobile phones is being undertaken on a worldwide basis. The Department is contributing to these international initiatives and is also supporting its own research programme. Research is also carried out at the NRPB.