Last updated in December 2000 Mobile phones are now commonplace.
Mobile phones emit and receive low level microwave radiation.
The levels appear to comply with UK exposure limits and there is no conclusive evidence that they pose a significant cancer risk to humans. However, some evidence of risk is available from experiments that have taken place on animals, and proper testing of health risks has not yet taken place. The most recent study, undertaken by the government and published in May 2000, indicated that there was no conclusive proof of brain cancer or memory loss, although mobile phones can lead to a small warming of the brain which might have unknown long-term effects. The report indicated that children were likely to be most at risk and should be discouraged from using mobile phones. Following the report the government prepared a leaflet, which is now given out with every phone sold.