Sandeep Joshi

Draft guidelines report says children are likely to be more affected by use of mobile phones 

NEW DELHI: Electromagnetic radiation from base station antennas of mobile networks and mobiles phones could pose serious health hazards to people, particularly children below 16 years, pregnant women and those using medical aids, according to a draft guidelines report issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre that comes under the Department of Telecommunications.

Seeking strict regulations for installing antennas to protect people from radiation, the report says that continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues. Using hands-free facility seems to be a better option, if longer use is unavoidable.

The report says: “The studies of possible hazards to human health from exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields suggest that there is need to control the unwanted exposure as per the World Health Organisation guidelines.”

According to the report, mobile phones and radio terminals radiate RF energy that heat up the tissues. During use, mobile phones are usually kept close to the ear, which is very near to the brain. It is suspected that continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues.

The report says the tissues of children are tender, and therefore they are likely to be more affected by use of mobile phones. Children below 16 years should be discouraged from using mobile phones.

Similarly, the use of mobile phones or radio terminals by persons, using medical aids such as pace makers, defibrillators, hearing aids cochlear implants and other implants should be minimised, while the use of mobile phones or radio terminals in vulnerable areas of hospitals such as intensive care units, should be prohibited or restricted as decided by the hospital authorities.

Educating the consumer

To educate a consumer about radiation from a mobile handset, the specific absorption rate value for each hand set should be provided by the manufacturers on the website as well as in the user’s manual, as per the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines. This is as per international approach taken in the year 2000 and agreed upon by manufacturers. If possible, SAR information as option on screen of mobile phone or radio terminal may be made available, says the report.

The radio frequency electromagnetic field generated around the base station antenna may be harmful to general public and operator or maintenance personnel. The practice of installing antennas needs to be regulated in order to protect the general public from undesired effects caused by electromagnetic fields around the antenna, it says.

As a precautionary measure, the mobile phone service providers or manufacturers should avoid promotional advertisements showing vulnerable segments such as children or pregnant women using mobile phones.

Calling for raising the level of understanding about mobile phone technology and reduce mistrust and fears both real and perceived, the report suggests developing an effective system of health information and communication as per the WHO guidelines.

“The Government of India, especially the Ministry of Health, may initiate public awareness programme in line with WHO recommendations,” it adds.