No adverse short- or long-term health effects have been shown to occur from exposure to the signals produced by mobile phones or phone masts, according to a report from a Government-appointed expert group.
The report, published yesterday, says this conclusion is based on all the evidence accumulated so far.
It also says there are no data available to suggest that use of mobile phones by children is a health hazard, but it says more research on this issue has been recommended by the World Health Organisation.
"The only established adverse health effect associated with mobile phones is with traffic accidents," it added.
The report, Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, says it is unlikely that extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, which would come from power lines and electrical appliances, cause leukaemia in children, but studies to date are insufficient to make a conclusive judgment.
It has recommended that where possible, and as a precaution, new power lines should be sited away from heavily populated areas so as to keep exposures to people low.
"The evidence for 50 Hz magnetic fields causing childhood leukaemia is too weak to require rerouting of existing lines and so these measures should only apply to new lines," it said.
The report acknowledges there has been public concern about the siting of masts or base stations in different areas. It said the planning guidelines for siting base stations are seen as lacking transparency and lacking any input from the public.
"Many local authorities have adopted their own planning guidelines for the approval of new base stations, with different requirements on their location.
"It is strongly recommended that national guidelines be agreed on the planning and approval process for new antennas on existing masts and future base stations through a public consultative process," it said.
The expert group has also recommended the Government should take a more proactive role in providing health advice in relation to electromagnetic fields and that the issue should be managed through a single agency. At present the responsibility is with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and given that this department is also responsible for the promotion and development of mobile communications, there appears to be a conflict of interest, it says.
The Government said yesterday it will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment from May 1st.
The group, which included Irish and international representatives, also recommended GPs be provided with information about the appropriate treatment for symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity and be informed the symptoms are not due to exposure to electromagnetic fields.