New mobile health fears

A major survey today highlighted new health fears over mobile phone masts.

Experts discovered that people within range of powerful 3G transmitters - typically two miles - experienced headaches, tingling sensations and nausea.

Thousands of the masts have been set up in the South-East over the last year as the phone industry concentrates on the new technology.

A 3G network allows phone users to make video calls and download video clips to their handset. Most of the major phone companies are expected to build 3G networks, following an intense bidding war over the licences needed to operate them.

However, the Dutch experts, viewed as the most advanced in their field, say their findings could have a "significant impact" on 3G development. Today British experts called for a major inquiry into the report.

The Dutch government-backed study, the first to look specifically at 3G networks, used simulated base stations to recreate the radiation levels. Radiation experts backed the research, claiming it was "credible" that the levels used for 3G could have adverse effects.

So far only one mobile operator, Three, offers a 3G video calls service in Britain. Three is still erecting masts to complete its network, but it is believed to need around 35,000 to cover the whole of the UK. The company was unavailable for comment tonight. The GSM Association, a global organisation of mobile phone operators, said it was studying the report.

Dutch government ministers said follow-up research was needed to confirm the findings and look at any longerterm health effects. They will also discuss the study with the European Commission, a spokeswoman said.

The study, conducted by the technological research institute TNO, saw some test subjects exposed to expected levels of average radiation for 3G networks. The test group reported no negative impact involving signals from current mobile networks. However, cognitive functions such as memory and response times were boosted by signals from both types.

Anti-mast campaigners welcomed the findings. Karen Barrett, who has spent three years fighting plans for a mast in Winchester, said: "A lot of new masts will need to be built for a 3G, so it's important we get to grips with any potential problems early."

A previous British Medical Association-report found no evidence that phone masts harmed health. Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science for BMA, said a number of studies were due out in the next two years. She said: "Inevitably some of these are likely to flag up potential health risks."