Health Effects From Mobile Phone Use

By John Finnie

The initial widespread concern about possible health risks arising from the use of mobile phones has prompted substantial research, which is at present incomplete and ongoing.

There are already more mobile than fixed line users around the world and developing countries are opting to establish mobile telecommunications rather than the more expensive fixed line systems.

Biological effects resulting from mobile phone use are still controversial and sometimes contradictory experimental results have prevented regulatory authorities from giving an unqualified assurance of public safety. The issues seem to be around the findings of neurological effects but no noticeable health effects of mobile usage.

Finnie briefly looks at various studies and outlines the Australian research into this area. He points to future directions of research programs.

(CCH Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand. vol. 20, no 2, April 2004)