US regulator proposes mobile radiation review

US telco regulator the Federal Communications Commission has revealed plans to review radiation emission standards for mobile phones for the first time in 16 years.

Despite a continued belief there is no establish link between radiation from phones and health problems, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski circulated the proposal to investigate whether emission standards should be changed for devices used by children.

The standards were last fixed in 1996.

Several global studies have concluded mobile phones do not cause cancer, and that children between seven and 19 are at no greater risk of developing brain cancer than peers who do not use the devices.

However, the World Health Organisation added mobile phone radiation to its list of possible carcinogens, saying it is in the same category as lead, chloroform and coffee. It called for more studies to be conducted into potential dangers.

There are an estimated six billion devices in use around the world.

Genachowski’s proposal has to be approved by a majority of the FCC’s five commissioners for a formal inquiry to take place. The inquiry would seek scientific evidence to support any changes to the current emission standards.