Tumour risk to the young from using mobile phones

CHILDREN who use mobiles could be up to five times more likely to develop a brain tumour than adults, experts claim.

Children who use mobiles could be up to five times more likely to develop a brain tumour Children who use mobiles could be up to five times more likely to develop a brain tumour

More than 50 per cent of seven-year-olds own a mobile phone, with the figure rising to 75 per cent by the age of 10.

The potential risk could be a “huge time bomb”, according to independent watchdog Powerwatch, which investigates their safety. It wants children banned from using them.

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Technical manager Graham Philips said: “The risk of getting a brain tumour is far increased for children as their cells are still dividing which could cause a tumour to grow. Their skulls are also far thinner and less developed than an adult’s, meaning they don’t absorb as much of the radiation leaving it to get through to the brain. This can do a huge amount of damage.” He said some children are talking on their phones for two hours a day.

Cancer specialist Dr Justin Stebbing, of Imperial College London, said: “Their cells are still growing so they could be more sensitive to DNA damage.”

The BMJ Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine advises parents to ensure children use text messages, hands-free kits or loudspeaker functions.

The Department of Health says young children should only use mobiles in emergencies.

The Mobile Operators Association said: “Two decades of research, to date, has established no adverse health effects and all mobile phones comply with international safety guidelines.”

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