Question : RADIATION FROM MOBILE TOWERS MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS

(a) whether the radiations emitted by Mobile Towers cause harmful effects on human health;

(b) if so, the latest details of study/ survey conducted by the Government in this regard;

(c) the remedial measures being taken by the Government in regard thereto;

(d) the outcome of research conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh in regard to side-effects of use of mobile phones, computer and other modern electronic appliances;

(e) whether the Government is contemplating any norms for release of electromagnetic waves from mobile phones in view of the said research; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)

(a)to (c): There are no conclusive data available so far on harmful effects radiation emitted by mobile towers. The review of literature does not establish conclusive evidence on the safety or risk of radio frequency radiation (RFR) but growing body of scientific evidences indicate towards the bio-effects and adverse health effects of RFR which may be possible.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had constituted a Committee in 2006 to examine the issue of health hazard due to radiations from mobile phone base stations. The Committee opined that overall there is not enough evidence to show direct health hazard or radio frequency exposure from mobile base stations.

(d) to (f) Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh has studied the side effects of use of mobile phone and not other appliances & found that long term & intensive use of mobile phone may cause inner ear damage. The Committee of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare constituted in 2006 recommended that a precautionary approach should be adopted till further research data is available.

The Telecom Commission has approved adoption of the guidelines of the International Commission on Non lonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for limiting Electro magnetic field exposure.