Radiation check on phones

Scientists are investigating whether mobile telephones carry a risk of radiation.

The National Radiological Protection Board is managing a three-year project at several universities to look at the electro- magnetic radiation effects of the telephones. A spokesman said it was only a 'cautious' study and users should not be worried.

The project was instigated after an investigation into electrical appliances showed a lack of knowledge about the effects of high-frequency communications equipment.

'There was something to suggest that carcinogens may be promoted by this kind of frequency,' the spokesman said. 'The power that these phones operate on is extremely low and people only use them for very short periods. It is not something people need to be concerned about.'