More study on effects of cell phones needed to determine safety: UN health agency

Reacting to recent media reports claiming the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) "insists mobile phone emissions are safe," the agency today said such statements were a distortion of its position on the possible health effects of cellular telephones.

In a statement, WHO said its revised fact sheet titled "Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones and their Base Stations," issued in June 2000, clearly states its position.

"None of the recent reviews have concluded that exposure to the radio frequency (RF) fields from mobile phones or their base stations causes any adverse health consequence," fact sheet 193 says. "However, there are gaps in knowledge that have been identified for further research to better assess health risks. It will take about three to four years for the required RF research to be completed, evaluated and to publish the final results of any health risks."

According to WHO, that statement continues to reflect the current status of the science and conveys the agency's position on the issue.