Mobile phones to carry government health warning

Mobile phones sold in the run-up to Christmas will carry a government health warning - despite the lack of definitive evidence that they are harmful.

Mobile phones sold in the run-up to Christmas will carry a government health warning - despite the lack of definitive evidence that they are harmful.

Officials confirmed yesterday that they were finalising a leaflet that would warn buyers of uncertainty over mobile phones' potential health risks.

The leaflets will warn specifically that children should not spend too long on their mobiles. They are expected to be distributed to shops within the next two weeks to go out with the thousands of phones bought as Christmas presents.

Ministers decided to act after a report published earlier this year called for more research because there was continuing uncertainty over the potential health risks. There are fears in Whitehall that the issue could develop into a BSE-style health scare in future years if no precautionary steps are taken now.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "There are still fears that using mobile phones could have a harmful effect. We will produce advice for consumers shortly."

There has also been conflicting evidence on the safety of ear pieces for mobile phones. Research commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry said the ear pieces would limit any health risks of radiation, but a study by the Consumers' Association cast doubt on their safety. "The truth is that we do not know enough about it and the leaflet will say there is to be more research, but in the meantime it is worth taking precautions," a government source said.

In the leaflets, parents will be warned that children should not spend too long on the phone.