October 1, 2003
Dutch study claims the next generation of mobile phone services can cause headaches and nausea
According to a study conducted by the Dutch government and technological research institute TNO, radio signals for the next generation of mobile phone services can cause headaches and nausea.
"The study, which claims to be the first of its kind, tested the impact of radiation from base stations used for the current mobile telephone network, against those for new third generation, or 3G, networks for fast data transfer -- which will enable services such as video conferencing on a mobile device, according to Wired.
The Dutch ministers responsible for Economic Affairs, Health and Telecommunications said follow-up research was needed to confirm the findings. They also said any longer-term health effects and biological causes needed to be looked at".
In France, the three main French operators agreed to sign a 'good behaviour charter', whereby they will undertake, among other measures, to "inform the inhabitants before any mast is put up, use existing masts rather than building new ones".
For more information on the various health studies conducted related to cell phones and masts, check out the Health Issues category in Textually.org. And here are some useful links and resources:
-- FDA's Cell Phones Facts publishes information for consumers on wireless phones.
-- International EMB Project from the World Health Organization, who is pooling resources and knowledge concerning health effects of exposure to EMF (Electromagnetic fields).
-- Mobile Manufacturers Forum: The MMF is an international association of radio equipment manufacturers whose members include Alcatel, Ericsson, Mitsubishi Electric, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Philips, Sagem, Siemens and Sony Ericsson. The MMF was formed in 1998 to jointly fund key research projects, as well as to cooperate on standards, regulatory issues and communications activities concerning health and mobile phones.
-- How safe are mobile phones?: Customer information from Nokia.
-- Nokia's Internet Links to government authorities, industry associations and scientific reports.
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