01 May 2000

Cell phone investigation needed - Green Party

Green MP Sue Kedgley today called for the Government to to investigate whether cell phones should carry health warnings in New Zealand, following a report that a UK Government review is about to recommend health warnings be placed on cell phones in England.

According to an article in the Observer yesterday, the Government committee on mobile phone safety found that public concern over the use of cell phones was justified. The committee will recommend next week that cell phones in England carry warnings about where, and for how long, phones should be used. The report will also call for national guidelines about the construction of cell phone towers.

Ms Kedgley said she agreed that the public should be given as much information as is available on the dangers of radiation from handsets.

"More research is needed into whether mobile phones carry long-term health risks,"she said. "Until that research has been done, it would be prudent for New Zealand to look at whether we should be placing similar health warnings on cell phones in this country, and at setting tighter rules regarding the construction of cell phone towers."

Ms Kedgley said it was important for concerns about cell phone use and cell phone towers to be discussed in public, so that people could make informed choices about cell phone use.

"Independent expert Dr Neil Cherry begins an international speaking tour about the radiation emitted by cell phones and cell phone towers with a talk in Wellington next week," said Ms Kedgley. "I would encourage anyone who is concerned about any possible health risks to attend this seminar."

Sue Kedgley will host the opening seminar of Dr Cherry's international speaking tour on the health risks of cell phones at the Beehive Theatrette, Level 1, The Beehive on Wednesday 10th May from 12.30-1.30pm. Please contact Sean Weaver, executive secretary, for an invitation: (04) 470 6717

Sue Kedgley MP: (04) 470 6728 or 025 270 9088 Gina Dempster, press secretary: (04) 470 6723 or 021 1265 289

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