Mobile Phone Use Warning
Illawarra Mercury
Friday August 4, 2000
Using a hands-free kit on a mobile telephone could reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) by more than 90 per cent, a study has found.
Choice magazine has warned consumers to take a cautious approach to their mobile telephone use following its study - which found EMR levels fell by 92 per cent at head level when the earpiece and clip-on microphone accessories were used.
However radiation levels were still high where the phone was held, such as clipped to a belt, although they still fell within Australian limits, Australian Consumers Association (ACA) IT policy officer Charles Britton said.
While there were not any proven health hazards from using mobile phones, there was no conclusive proof that concerns were unfounded either, Mr Britton said.
The findings of the Choice study contradict a recent overseas study by Choice's UK counterpart, Which?, which suggested hands-free kits actually increased exposure to radiation.
Which? said the kits may act as an aerial and channel three times as much radiation to the head.
Mr Britton said the Australian study was carried out differently to that in the UK.
``They measured a different thing and used a different method," he said.
However, he conceded that the hands-free kits may act as an aerial for EMR if held in a specific way.
Choice suggested consumers minimise use, treat phones as tools not toys, and avoid body contact during use.
© 2000 Illawarra Mercury
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