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Children At Higher Risk

Experts: "Legitimate Questions"
About Cell Phone Safety

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2000 -- Citing "legitimate questions" from recent studies, a report issued by a scientific panel has concluded that there is no evidence to ensure that cellular and other wireless telephones may be used safely -- and expressed particular concern about the risks posed to children.

"The legitimate questions about safety that have arisen from recent studies make claims of absolute safety no longer supportable," Dr. George L. Carlo and Rebecca Steffens wrote in the report published by Medscape General Medicine.

"Moving the antenna beyond the distance threshold of 2 to 3 inches from the body is the only science-based recommendation that can be supported by existing data," according to the study conducted by the Wireless Technology Research Program (WTR) and funded by the cellular telephone industry.

The researchers said that consumers could use a hands-free phone, a headset or a 2-way pager to reduce radio frequency radiation. The pagers do not emit a constant signal and thus limit the time that the user is exposed.

The report concluded that while findings were not yet conclusive, "consumers should be made aware of potential risks of wireless phones" so they can make an informed decision.

The researchers expressed particular concern about the wireless industry's targeting of children through advertising featuring Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters, noting that children can be at higher risk for genetic damage from radio frequency radiation.

In fact, a recent British report recommended that children younger than 16 be discouraged from using wireless phones. The panel said the developing nervous system is more vulnerable to functional genetic damage both because of the higher rate of cell division and the thinness of the skull, which allows more penetration of radio frequency radition into the brain.

In addition, children may be more vulnerable because they would presumably be using cell phones over a longer period of time than adults, thus potentially increasing the risks associated with exposure over time.

The report made several recommendations, including:

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