HPA Study Says No Evidence That Mobile Phones Harm Health

There is no convincing evidence that the use of mobile phones damages human health, a "comprehensive" review of scientific evidence said on Thursday.

Studies have not demonstrated that the use of mobiles causes brain tumors or any other cancer, according to the review by the Health Protection Agency (HPA)'s independent advisory group on non-ionizing radiation.

But it said it was important to monitor evidence as the use of mobile phones has become widespread only recently.

The HPA also recommends that excessive use of mobile phones by children be discouraged.

"Overall, the results of studies have not demonstrated that the use of mobile phones causes brain tumors or any other type of cancer," the group said.

"The evidence suggests that radio frequency field exposure below guideline levels does not cause symptoms in humans."

The group's report reviewed scientific studies on exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones and wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi, as well as television and radio transmitters.

It said the presence of radio frequency fields cannot be detected by people, including those who report being sensitive to them.

And it added that research on long-term effects was limited but there was no evidence as yet of negative health effects.

Anthony Swerdlow, chairman of the advisory group that conducted the review, said: "There is no convincing evidence that radiofrequency exposure causes health effects in adults or in children but beyond 15 years for mobile phones, we have to say we have little or no information.

"I think it is important therefore, to some extent, to keep an eye out on this, which we will do into the future."

The HPA said in response that it would continue to advise a precautionary approach and keep the science under close review.