Ban mobile phones and wireless networks in schools, say European leaders

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Mobile phones and computers with wireless internet connections pose a risk to human health and should be banned from schools, a powerful European body has ruled

Below are extracts from an article by Richard Gray, Science Correspondent in the Telegraph newspaper on 14th May 2011

See the full article here

A Council of Europe committee examined evidence that the technologies have "potentially harmful" effects on humans, and concluded that immediate action was required to protect children.

In a report, the committee said it was crucial to avoid repeating the mistakes made when public health officials were slow to recognise the dangers of asbestos, tobacco smoking and lead in petrol.

The report also highlighted the potential health risks of cordless telephones and baby monitors, which rely on similar technology and are widely used in British homes. Fears have been raised that electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices can cause cancers and affect the developing brain.

The committee concluded that member states should:

Set thresholds for levels of long-term exposure to microwaves of the type emitted by mobile phones;
Introduce clear labelling on products indicating the presence of electromagnetic fields and any health risks associated with use;
Ban all mobile phones and wireless networks in classrooms and schools;
Run information campaigns aimed at children and young adults about the risks to human health;
Step up research on less-dangerous types of antennae and mobile phones.

The conclusions contradict advice from the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health, which says exposure to electromagnetic fields poses little or no risk to human health.

The Council of Europe, which has 47 member states and is based in Strasbourg, cannot impose its will on governments, but is highly influential in policy-making and has often seen its decisions enacted through conventions and treaties.

A draft resolution – calling on governments to "take all reasonable measures to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields" from mobile phones and similar devices, including the ban in schools – was adopted unanimously by the organisation's Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs.

The committee is composed of 84 MPs and politicians from member states, and its vice-chairman is Lord Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister. Its members reviewed the latest research on the effects of electromagnetic fields and took fresh evidence from experts before reaching its conclusions. The draft resolution will now go before the council's full Parliamentary Assembly for approval.

Public health and telecommunication experts are divided on the dangers posed by mobile phones and other wireless devices.

Prof Paul Elliot, of Imperial College, London, who is leading a major international study of the long-term effects of mobile phone use on 200,000 people, said:

"There are potential questions about whether mobile phones might have cognitive effects and impact on sleep. Mobile phone technology is clearly incredibly beneficial and useful, but we have to weigh up those potential health effects, so it is responsible to do research on that. In children, that research has not yet really been done, so we need more research in this area. In the meantime the advice is not to be excessive in use."

Peter Limbrick writes:

This is a very important appeal from the Council of Europe and it reflects very strong international concern about exposure of babies, children and pregnant women to this un-tested radiation.

Head teachers, governors, older pupils and staff in all UK schools should now debate this health issue and develop their own EMR Policy to protect children and young people.

Staff in UK organisations that work for children's welfare can now make a commitment to giving children and their own staff safe places for work and play.