DAILY MAIL 24/05/99

Scientist warn public to cut call times in latest health alert

Disturbing new evidence has emerged linking mobile phones with cancerous brain tumours.

Two leading scientists, one of whom is funded by the industry itself, warned people to spend as little time as possible using the phones until further major research is carried out.

The studies added to mounting concern over the safety of mobiles - used by 13million people in Britain alone, with the numbers rising daily.

Other researchers have warned that low level microwave radiation from the handsets can heat the brain, causing headaches, memory loss, and dizziness.

The latest claims are made tonight on BBC-1's Panorama. However, the programme makers also commissioned a study of emissions absorbed by the brain from several difference mobiles - and discovered that all were well below the danger threshold. The emissions are called Specific Absorption Rates and a level of ten SARs or below is regarded as safe.

Researchers from the National Physical Laboratory found the highest came from the Nokia 2110, with 0.44 SARs and the lowest from the Motorola Star Tac 70 - 0.02.

But the scientists behind the latest separate studies, Swedish cancer expert Dr Lennart Hardell, and American Dr George Carlo, whose research body is funded by the mobile phone firms themselves, insist that full-scale investigations are necessary to clear the question marks over safety.

Both men make it clear that their research has provided only an indication that there could be a link with brain tumours. But, more significantly, they have failed to establish that there is no connection. Dr Hardell tell Panorama: 'There is a biological indication that there is a problem which should be studied much more. Until we have the definitive results of much larger studies, we need to minimise exposure.'

Dr Carlo adds: 'We have moved into a grey area that suggests there could be problems that need to be looked at very carefully.'

For now, say the scientists, users should cut the time spent on their mobile - or use 'handsfree' phones which do not come into direct contact with the ear.

Their warning is echoed by the Dr Alan Preece of Bristol University, who is testing the memory and reaction times of 36 volunteers exposed to 20-30 minutes of mobile-type radiation. He says he has found changes in their memory patterns.

The body of evidence against mobiles is building up despite insistence from the companies that emissions are well below the level regarded as safe.