June 9, 2005
Mobile phones 'can trigger skin allergies'
The scotsman reports that according to new research, radiation from mobile phones can trigger reactions in people with skin allergies.
"Tests showed exposure to microwaves produced by mobiles can cause an allergic response in people who have eczema or dermatitis.
A Japanese scientist, made the discovery after testing blood samples that showed phone users had higher levels of chemicals pumped out by the immune system when there was an allergic reaction.
Dr Hajime Kimata first found evidence that mobiles triggered skin allergies two years ago, but blamed it on ringtones. In an article published in British Nursing News Online dated June 2003, Dr Kimata claimed that the "the sound of a constantly ringing mobile phone could trigger attacks of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis".
His latest study, published in the journal Allergy, appears to confirm the link - but disapointingly, doesn't mention ringtones as the cause - which made such a good story -, but exposure to microwaves (Ho-hum).
British allergy experts said the results were interesting but there was no scientific explanation for why radiation would increase allergic responses. Professor Tony Frew, of Southampton University, added: "This study adds to the evidence that microwave radiation may do strange things that we don't quite understand."
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2005/06/008629.htm