Are mobiles dangerous

There is controversy and debate about whether mobile phones are safe. The Stewart Report was commissioned in 1999 to look into health effects of mobile phones and found that the balance of evidence of that time did not indicate adverse health effects.

Long term health damage may take many years to show up. Cancers typically take between 15 and 30 years to manifest but the carcinogen may start causing damage immediately.

Since the Stewart report, many studies have been published. All the independent studies show an association with brain tumours. Other studies indicate mobile phones may increase other cancer risks and damage fertility.

The Department of Health advises that children under 16 should only use mobiles for short essential calls.