The telecom boom has transformed the lives of millions of people, but has also set alarm bells ringing over its possible health hazards.
NEW DELHI: The telecom boom has transformed the lives of millions of people, but has also set alarm bells ringing over its possible health hazards as the government is now considering norms that suggest taking precautionary steps to minimise risks associated with use of mobile phones.
The draft guidelines prepared by the Telecom Engineering Centre and under consideration of the Department of Telecom have suggested, among other things, that children below 16 years should be discouraged from using cellular phones.
It pointed out that phones and base station antennas used by telecom operators radiate energy that heats up tissues and may be harmful to human beings, especially kids.
"The tissues of children are tender and therefore, they are likely to be more affected by use of mobile phones. Children below 16 years age should be discouraged from using mobile phones," the draft guidelines suggested.
The draft noted that even World Health Organisation (WHO) was studying if there were harmful effects of electromagnetic fields on human beings but the results have been inconclusive.
WHO has, however, suggested a precautionary approach and also come out with a model legislation and framework on electromagnetic field and health standards. Many countries such as Canada, USA, EU, Australia, Japan and China have implemented this precautionary approach in different forms.
In India, the growth of mobile telephones is very high and the number of subscribers may cross 250 million by the end of 2007 and 500 million by end of 2010. This may result inlarge number of installation of base station antennas.
The cumulative effect of electromagnetic fields may cause undesired effects on human beings, it said, adding there was an immediate need for guidelines to safeguard human beings against such possible undesired effects.
"Mobile phones are usually kept closer to the ear which is very near to the brain. It is suspected that the continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues. Using hands free facility seems to be a better option, if longer use is unavoidable," the draft norms said.
It also suggested that the use of mobile phones or radio terminals by people using medical aids such as pace makers and hearing aids should be minimised. Use of mobile phones in vulnerable areas of hospitals such as Intensive Care Unit should also be prohibited or restricted.
Further, as a precautionary measure, service providers and manufacturers should avoid promotional advertisements showing vulnerable segments like children and pregnant women using mobile phones.
The draft recommended preparing a system of health information and communication, designed by scientists, the government, industry and public, to raise the level of general understanding about mobile phone technology. The government, especially the Ministry of Health, may begin a public awareness programme in line with WHO suggestions, it said.
For base station antennas, the draft said these should not be installed within the premises of schools and hospitals. Installation of these antennas in narrow lanes should also be avoided to reduce the risks caused by any earthquake or wind related disaster. Moreover, access to antenna sites should be prohibited for general public by means such as wire fencing, the draft added.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}