Almost everybody in India has a mobile phone. Even dead bodies are found with them. The mobile phone is a connecting link between near and dear ones, far and near. But a WHO report has revealed the radiation hazard caused by the handy gadgets. A new global report has confirmed the carcinogenic effect. Bioinitiative 2012, the work of 29 authors from 10 countries has listed brain tumour and loss of fertility in men as possible health hazards posed by exposure to radio-frequency radiation emitted by mobile phones and signal towers. India is the fastest growing market for mobile phones in the world. So the findings should cause special concern in this country. Here consumer awareness on the subject is extremely limited. There is therefore an urgent need for regulation and supervision.
The mobile revolution has doubtless promoted globalization and international commerce. But the reverse side cannot be overlooked. Governments must be proactive in protecting consumers from the harmful effects of the technology. True, the Indian government has lowered the radiation exposure limit of cell-phone towers and capped the specific absorption rate (SAR) of mobile handsets. SAR means the amount of radio-frequency energy absorbed by the body. But the official measures do not cover millions of cheap unbranded phones sold in the grey market. There is need for regular monitoring to ensure effective implication of regulations. The government has to look after public safety. It may be backed by consumer forums and pressure groups in making mobile companies stick to safety norms. For instance, SAR details should be published for handsets. It is only then that mobile communication can be truly free from health hazards.