WHO CLARIFIES ITS POSITION ON HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOBILE PHONE USE

Note for the Press

		Note for the Press N° 14 10 October 2001
	WHO CLARIFIES ITS POSITION ON HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOBILE PHONE USE Recent press articles have reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) "insists mobile phone emissions are safe." Such statements are a distortion of WHO's position on the possible health effects of mobile phone use. "Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones and their Base Stations," WHO Fact Sheet N° 193, revised in June 2000 states: "None of the recent reviews have concluded that exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile phones or their base stations causes any adverse health consequence. However, there are gaps in knowledge that have been identified for further research to better assess health risks. It will take about 3-4 years for the required RF research to be completed, evaluated and to publish the final results of any health risks." This statement continues to reflect the current status of the science and conveys WHO's position on this issue. For further information, please contact: Melinda Henry, Spokesperson's Office, WHO; Tel.: (+41 22) 791 2535; Fax: (+41 22) 791 4858; E-mail: henrym@who.int. All WHO Press Releases, Fact Sheets and Features, as well as other information on this subject can be found on the WHO web site: www.who.int .