Report says mobile masts are harmless

PARLIAMENTARY STUDY FINDS THERE IS NO NEED FOR ALARM BUT HEALTH CAMPAIGNERS DESCRIBE THE CONCLUSION AS 'SCANDALOUS' HOMES, schools and workplaces within close proximity of a mobile

phone mast have no reason to be alarmed, according to a new report from the French parliament into the potential health risks of mobile waves. Its author, Somme MP Alain Gest, said the

current rules governing where masts can be built was sufficient to ensure people were protected from radiation exposure. "The majority of researchers have confirmed, albeit with some

caution, the absence of any health risk. There is a near consensus on the harmlessness of mobile phone relays," the report concluded. However Mr Gest also recommended a number of

"common sense measures" to raise public awareness of future plans to build masts and reduce long-term exposure to mobile phones. He said the people deserved clear information about

plans for new masts in their neighbourhood, and planning permission should be required for all new installations. Mr Gest also suggested encouraging the use of detachable earpieces and

hands-free kits, and adding a €0.50 tax on every mobile phone sold in France to pay for further research into potential long-term health risks. The report was ordered by the

parliament's science watchdog Opecst last year and is based on evidence from 150 experts. Anti-mast groups and health campaigners condemned it as "scandalous" and "a

political report which unacceptably advocates the status quo".