Open Meeting

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Thursday 3 February 2000, Peter Froggatt Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast

This was the final open meeting of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) and was attended by the Chairman of the Group, Professor Sir William Stewart, and eight other members, in addition to observers from Government Departments and around ninety members of the public.

Sir William Stewart opened the meeting by introducing the Group, outlining its remit and stressing its independence. He summarised the work the Group had done to date and explained that the report would be submitted to the Government at the end of March or the beginning of April. He then invited questions from the floor.

Issues relating to masts

Examples were given of mobile phone masts being erected in communities, sometimes without their prior knowledge and normally despite their opposition. To avoid confrontation with the local community, these masts were occasionally erected at night.

Members of the public emphasised the concern which was caused by the arrival of these masts. This included worry for family, fear of possible health effects, the lack of input into current planning regulations and alarm over the possible impact on the valuation of their homes.

Some were aware of deterioration in their health, or in the health of their family, but did not know whether this could be attributed to the masts themselves. They felt that health should be taken into consideration by the planning authorities.

The siting of masts near to schools and thereby close to children was also raised as an issue. The Group indicated that it would be addressing this in its report.

Health effects

The Group heard the particular experiences of a few individuals, who believed they had suffered from severe reactions to the presence of masts close to their homes. These reactions included headaches, nosebleeds, ringing in ears, slurred speech, body tremors, swelling in glands, fatigue, nausea and dizziness.

The Group indicated that it was concerned with health in its widest sense, as defined by the World Health Organisation in its literature. It was considering anecdotal evidence, as well as peer-reviewed literature, and was examining the research currently being done, as well as considering what research should be undertaken in the future. It would examine the possibility that some people were particularly susceptible to electromagnetic fields.

Precautionary principle

Some of those present called for the introduction of a precautionary principle. They called for a cessation in the erection of masts close to people until more was known about the possible health effects of the masts.

It was recognised by the Group that there was an element of choice involved in the purchase of a mobile phone, which was not available for those who found a mast at the bottom of their garden. The Group recognised the great public concern in this matter and realised that there was a need to empower the public, particularly in the area of planning.

Concluding Remarks

Sir William Stewart repeated that the Group's report was for the Government, which would be responsible for its publication and for taking action on its recommendations. He closed the meeting by thanking members of the public for their participation and contribution.

The original announcement of the open meeting is available.

First issued 9 March 2000