Mobile phones could be a 'health time bomb', say experts who are urging ministers to warn the public.
More than 200 academic studies link use of the devices with serious health conditions such as brain tumours, according to a group of leading scientists.
In a report published yesterday, they say the Government is underplaying the potentially 'enormous' health risks – especially for children, whose smaller, thinner skulls are more susceptible to radiation.
Although the experts concede the links are not proven, they argue that 'schools, phone shops and the healthcare system' should be enlisted into a campaign to reduce mobile phone use.
Their report states: 'Both the Government and phone companies could very easily do far more to alert the public, particularly children, to the emerging risks and safety measures.'
It accuses officials of 'downplaying uncertainty' over safety, adding: 'This was the kind of wishful thinking that cost lives with tobacco and asbestos'.
However, critics stress scientists have found inconclusive evidence and a campaign would cause panic. The authors point to several studies linking long-term mobile phone use to development of a rare brain tumour called a glioma.
A 2008 Swedish study suggested children who use mobile phones are five times more likely to develop it.
Other peer-reviewed studies have found inconclusive links to low sperm counts, behavioural problems in children whose mothers used them during pregnancy, and damage to brain cells.
More than 70million mobiles are in use in Britain.
The World Health Organisation admitted in June they may cause cancer, and advised 'pragmatic' measures to reduce exposure such as using hands-free kits.
Britain's Department of Health recommends under-16s use them only for essential calls.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2059223/Mobile-phones-health-time-bomb-studies-link-use-illnesses.html#ixzz1dDaPwiwh
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