Open Meeting

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Thursday 9 December 1999, Henry Cohen Lecture Theatre, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool

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

The Chairman opened the meeting and explained why and how the Group was formed. He also outlined the remit of the Group. As at the earlier open meeting in Edinburgh, he stressed that members of the Expert Group were concerned to hear from all those with views on mobile phones and masts, in order to ensure that the Group's report addressed the public's main issues of concern. He then invited questions from the floor.

Health concerns

Questions were asked as to whether there were any known differences in the health of, and in the level of risk, for those who were light users of mobile phones in comparison to those, who were heavy users. Information was also requested about whether mobile phones could damage whatever part of the body they were held against, and whether they could cause changes in brain functions.

Members of the audience gave personal accounts of health problems which were possibly associated with the use of mobile phones and/or the siting of masts close to their homes. There were particular concerns about the lack of adequate planning controls, and about the lack of consultation with the public on planning issues. Planning regulations appeared to be sub-optimum and more openness and consultation between the local communities and the mobile phone companies was essential. The Chairman stressed that it was important for the Group to hear of all issues of concern and valued the inputs made. The Group was examining the evidence presented to it, not just peer-reviewed scientific evidence, but also evidence which has often been classed as 'anecdotal'. He was therefore grateful to those who shared personal experiences at the meeting.

The Group was asked to question mobile phone manufacturers about their recent submissions of revised patents for their mobile phones and about any health implications in the statements made.

Research needs

The Group stressed that it was still evaluating the information which it had received, and continued to receive, but possible impacts on the brain were being evaluated. Beyond that there was still a need for further research to aid the formation of firm conclusions in this area. There was a paucity of concrete evidence of direct adverse effects on human health, but because mobile phones were a relatively recent phenomenon this had to be looked at carefully. Epidemiological studies were being undertaken at this time but it would be a few years before the results would be known.

Precautionary approaches

Some members of the audience were concerned about whether the scientific advice offered could be regarded as foolproof. It was suggested by speakers that until more hard data became available a precautionary approach to the use of mobile phones should be adopted. There were ethical issues associated with the use of mobile phones which had to be considered.

It was recognised that the public had a choice as to whether they used mobile phones, but not on whether they lived next to a mast.

The point was made that mobile phones were banned in hospitals and that masts may affect the landline phones and televisions in homes close by. If precautions were taken about ensuring machinery was not affected, why was it not accepted that people could be affected?

Siting of base stations

Particular concern was raised as to the location of masts near to schools and hospitals. The Group indicated that they were already aware of the public's concern regarding the location of masts near to schools and the possible effects on children.

Questions were also asked as to how masts were checked to ensure that they met necessary guidelines.

It was also agreed strongly that non-ionising radiation was all around us and that an important issue was what additional impact mobile phone technology may make.

Membership of IEGMP

Questions were asked about the composition of the Group and whether its independence was compromised by the fact that it included members of the Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) of the National Radiological Protection Board. The Chairman explained that members of IEGMP had been chosen because of their knowledge and expertise, and their ability to think independently and be objective about the issues. He was convinced that the Expert Group would work at all times in a truly independent manner. He urged those with any concerns to see report before drawing premature conclusions.

The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking members of the public for their participation and contributions.

The original announcement of the open meeting is available.

First issued 25 January 2000