NEW DELHI: Electromagnetic radiation from base station antennas of
mobile networks and mobiles phones could pose serious health hazards to
people, particularly children below 16 years, pregnant women and those using
medical aids, according to a draft guidelines report issued by the
Telecommunication Engineering Centre that comes under the Department of
Telecommunications.
Seeking strict regulations for installing antennas to protect people from
radiation, the report says that continuous use of mobile phone for longer
duration may damage some brain tissues. Using hands-free facility seems to
be a better option, if longer use is unavoidable.
The report says: “The studies of possible hazards to human health from
exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields suggest that there is
need to control the unwanted exposure as per the World Health Organisation
guidelines.”
According to the report, mobile phones and radio terminals radiate RF energy
that heat up the tissues. During use, mobile phones are usually kept close
to the ear, which is very near to the brain. It is suspected that continuous
use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues.
The report says the tissues of children are tender, and therefore they are
likely to be more affected by use of mobile phones. Children below 16 years
should be discouraged from using mobile phones.
Similarly, the use of mobile phones or radio terminals by persons, using
medical aids such as pace makers, defibrillators, hearing aids cochlear
implants and other implants should be minimised, while the use of mobile
phones or radio terminals in vulnerable areas of hospitals such as intensive
care units, should be prohibited or restricted as decided by the hospital
authorities.
Educating the consumer
To educate a consumer about radiation from a mobile handset, the specific
absorption rate value for each hand set should be provided by the
manufacturers on the website as well as in the user’s manual, as per the
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines.
This is as per international approach taken in the year 2000 and agreed upon
by manufacturers. If possible, SAR information as option on screen of mobile
phone or radio terminal may be made available, says the report.
The radio frequency electromagnetic field generated around the base station
antenna may be harmful to general public and operator or maintenance
personnel. The practice of installing antennas needs to be regulated in
order to protect the general public from undesired effects caused by
electromagnetic fields around the antenna, it says.
As a precautionary measure, the mobile phone service providers or
manufacturers should avoid promotional advertisements showing vulnerable
segments such as children or pregnant women using mobile phones.
Calling for raising the level of understanding about mobile phone technology
and reduce mistrust and fears both real and perceived, the report suggests
developing an effective system of health information and communication as
per the WHO guidelines.
“The Government of India, especially the Ministry of Health, may initiate
public awareness programme in line with WHO recommendations,” it adds.
