Mobiles address health concerns

Mobile phone manufacturers are to distribute their first consumer guide to allay fears that their products pose a health risk.

The manufacturers – including Ericsson, Nokia and Motorola – have got together to produce the information through their industry body. It is the first time the Federation of the Electronic Industry (FEI) has had to address health concerns.

Two leaflets have been produced, one for consumers displayed at point of sale in mobile phone outlets and and another more in-depth one, kept at the London offices of the FEI.

Many mobile phone users are concerned about the adverse effects on health of radiation emanating from the phones. There have been reports in the national press of users suing manufacturers after developing immune-related illnesses.

FEI spokesman Tom Wills-Sandford says the organisation and its members believe there is “overwhelming” scientific evidence to show there is no link between mobile phones and adverse effects on health.

“It is fair to say if consumers are concerned, we’re concerned. We do take it seriously. We are not concerned about the health threats themselves but we are concerned about our customers’ concerns.”

One City analyst says the publicity given to the subject of health is unlikely to affect sales of mobile phones in the run-up to Christmas: “The jury is still out on the health issue, but it won’t hold back sales. We expect 1 million connections this December alone.”