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Future UK RF health researchProfessor David Coggon OBE, Chairman of the UK Mobile Telecommunications Health Research programme explains the research the programme will be funding in coming years…What is MTHR? The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) programme was established in 2001 following a recommendation in the Stewart report. Jointly funded by UK Government departments and by industry, it aims to resolve uncertainties regarding possible risks to health from mobile telecommunications. What has MTHR found? The first phase of the programme (MTHR1) supported 28 projects at a total cost of £8.8 million. Most of these projects have been completed, and their findings were summarised in a report published by the Programme Management Committee in 2007. In addition, four further studies are now nearing completion – a case-control study of leukaemia and use of mobile phones; an analysis of childhood cancer and residence near to mobile phone base stations; an investigation of whether RF radiation influences calcium ion signalling in cultured cells; and a study on demodulation of RF signals in biological tissues. A final project on the interaction of mobile telecommunications systems with the human body has not progressed as planned, and the contract with the research team has been terminated. What’s next? The second phase of the programme (MTHR2) is now underway with a budget of £4.6 million. The 2007 MTHR report concluded that although many of the concerns identified by the Stewart Committee had been reduced, there was still a need for further research in some areas. Particularly important was the need to assess directly through epidemiology whether mobile phones pose longterm risks of cancer or other chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Previously, there has been little scope to address this question because use of mobile phones only recently became common. To investigate whether there are long-term health risks, MTHR2 is supporting Imperial College to conduct a prospective follow-up study of 90,000 mobile phone users. This will form part of a larger international investigation (the COSMOS study), in which similar data will be collected also in Denmark and Sweden, giving a total sample of 200,000 people. |
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A second priority is to assess whether exposure to mobile phone signals causes symptoms or affects cognitive development in children. Following a call for outline proposals, the Project Management Committee selected a possible study in this area for further development. The full proposal is now undergoing scientific review before a final decision on whether it should be funded. In addition, two randomised double-blind provocation studies are looking at short-term symptoms in relation to TETRA, one using signals that mimic those from a base station, and the other signals from a handset. These investigations, which include some participants reporting sensitivity to RF radiation, are due for completion by the end of 2008. One other priority that was identified in the 2007 MTHR report – whether use of mobile phones is associated with an increased risk of brain tumours in children – is being addressed outside the programme through an international case-control study (CEFALO). Where can I find out more? TFurther information about the MTHR programme and a copy of the 2007 report can be found at its website (http://www.mthr.org.uk/). |
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