Jerome Burne and Sarah Ryle
Cellular phone users – the scourge of cinemas and restaurants – may be unable to help themselves.
A study has found that radiation from cellphones stimulates a morphine-like chemical in the brain, making them addictive.
The cellphone “high” is triggered by endorphins released in the brain when microwave radiation from the phone enters through the ear.
According to an American expert on radio frequencies and health, one of the effects of increasing opiate levels is that it makes you want to drink more alcohol. “The link between opiates and alcohol consumption is well established,” said Dr Henry Lai of the University of Washington and Seattle.
Public concern has increased following a number of reports suggesting low-intensity microwave radiation from cellphones could cause headaches, short-term memory loss and even cancer.
Fears about radiation prompted the European Parliament last week to call for all cellphones in Europe to carry health warnings – a significant victory for British campaigners battling to persuade the government to recognise potential hazards posed by cellphones.
Euro MPs took the unusual step of tightening proposals designed to regulate positioning of cellphone transmitter masts.
The Parliament voted “almost unanimously” on measures which recognise that the radio waves emitted by transmitters may have long-term, harmful effects on people.
The industry denies that there are dangers: “There is no firm evidence of adverse health effects from cellphones,” said the National Radiological Protection Board.
“We liken these attitudes to smoking,” a representative for Friends of the Earth said. “The growing body of evidence was ignored because it was not 100% proved.”
The Department of Health said it is satisfied with the board’s position, but added: “We are aware of the health concerns and have commissioned research which is due to be published shortly. If it’s a labelling issue, it will be a matter for the Department of Trade and Industry.”
Tobacco manufacturers suffered multimillion- dollar lawsuits from smokers who proved they were not properly warned of health risks.
ENDS