Scientists urge curbs on children's use of mobiles

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

Scientists urge curbs on children's use of mobiles

LONDON, May 10 (Reuters) - Scientists have urged the British 
government to curb the use of mobile phones by children, saying it 
poses a potential health risk, a source close to the researchers said 
on Wednesday. 

A government-commissioned inquiry into mobile telephone safety will 
publish its report on Thursday, warning that while there was no 
direct evidence of a safety risk, some scientific results indicate it 
is worth taking precautions. 

The source close to the inquiry told Reuters that the scientists 
involved were worried by "odd findings" which led them to conclude 
there should be precautionary restrictions on mobiles for the most 
vulnerable group -- children. 

"One odd finding came up when we looked at microwave radiation on 
nematode worms. That showed odd changes to the protein structure," 
said the source. 

"It was a kind of heat shock on the protein. You know, slightly 
cooked. 

"While there is no evidence of risk, some biological findings 
indicate there is a risk of risk," he added. "If there is a risk, 
children are always the most susceptible." 

The inquiry, chaired by a group of scientists led by Sir William 
Stewart of Tayside University in Scotland, will be a blow to the huge 
mobile phone industry which has sought to tap the vast youth market. 

It could also renew safety fears among Britain's 24 million mobile 
users and comes just days after the government concluded a massive 
mobile phone licence auction which raised 22 billion pounds ($34 
billion). 

The Health Ministry declined to comment ahead of the report's 
publication. Health Minister Yvette Cooper received the final report 
on Tuesday and the government will publish its reaction on Thursday. 

A Financial Times report said ministers would back the findings and 
order new guidelines to restrict use by children. The government's 
Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson will be responsible for 
coordinating the response. 

As well as looking at the health effects on children, the inquiry's 
report also examines the effects of mobile phone masts being put up 
across the country and hands-free sets. 

The inquiry committee was established after a number of worldwide 
reports of radiation from mobile phones causing cancer, memory loss 
and Alzheimer's. 

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Sandy Perle					Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100   				    	
Director, Technical				Extension 2306 				     	
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Division		Fax:(714) 668-3149 	                   		    
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