Australian Government to fund study. The Australian Government is to provide $4.5 million for a study into the health effects of mobile phones and other radio communications equipment. From media release dated 16 Oct. 1996: "The Government will provide $4.5 million over five years for research and public information into health issues associated with mobile phones, mobile phone towers and other communications devices and equipment", the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, and the Minister for Health and Family Services, Dr. Michael Wooldridge announced today. The radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME) program, will be fully offset by a small increase in radio communications license fees to commence in November 1996. "Sections of the public are concerned about possible adverse health effects from long-term exposure to RF EME - especially in regard to children - with the increased use of radio-based communications technologies, such as mobile phones" Senator Richard Alston said. "Australia has one of the highest take-up rates of mobile phones in the world, with around four million in use around Australia. That number is expected to increase. "However, survey work carried out by AGB McNair found that, of the more than 750 people who were interviewed, other health issues such as damage to skin through exposure to the sun, the development of breast cancer or death or injury because of road accidents were of greater concern. "The AGB McNair survey found there was strong support for more information to be made available from the Government, and that there was strong support for further research into the EME public health issues." Dr. Wooldridge said that while there is no substantiated evidence available, to date, of adverse health affects associated with RF EME exposure - within the standards that apply in Australia and overseas - there is still a need for further research and to provide information to the public. "An important part of this project will be the provision of factual information about the use of mobile phones and about exposure levels,"Dr. Wooldridge said. "A committee of health, scientific and communications officials has already been established to examine and advise the Government on RF EME- related matters, including national and international research findings and the potential for further research. "The RF EME risk management and communications program is concerned with implementing practical measures to address RF EME public health issues," Senator Alston said. The program involves:- *The public dissemination of up-to-date information about RF EME public health issues. *Continuing Australian participation in the World Health Organization's project to assess the health and environmental effects of EME exposure. *The establishment of an Australian research program to examine RF EME issues of particular relevance to the Australian environment, to complement overseas research activities. The research program will be managed by the National Health and Medical Research Council. The RF EME Program will be coordinated jointly by the Communications and the Arts and Health and Family Services portfolios through the Committee on EME Public Health Issues. Program functions will be contracted out to appropriately qualified government and non-government bodies, such as the CSIRO, and universities and hospitals. Contact: Ashley Manicaros, Ministers Office (06) 277 7480 Vicky Anderson, Dr. Wooldridge's Office (06) 277 7220 Felicity Campbell, Department (06) 279 1257 Department's website: http://www.dca.gov.au. |
