For the records:
The Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola
Johnson has refuted a statement circulating in some sections of the media
alleging that the use of mobile phones can cause cancer. Dr Johnson disclosed that there are no
proven health hazards resulting from the use of mobile phones or proximity to
telecommunications installations for now that could pose a risk to human
health.
A statement made available by the SA Media to the Dr
Johnson, Efem Nkanga described the statement as a personal misinformed view of
Engr Ngozi Ogunjiofor, a deputy director, Department of Posts and Telecoms,
Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, that is not backed by proven
scientific analysis.
Ogunjiofor who represented the Minister at the launch of
the Etisalat Flagship store in Abuja on Thursday had expressed a personal opinion and
was quoted as saying that the use of mobile phones can cause cancer.
Mrs Ogunjiofor had said ‘’ The most dangerous and
important element in the communications sector are mobile phones, because of
the health and other related risks they bring. Some radioactive elements in the
mobile phone might affect the body and cause cancer and other health
challenges.
Radiation from phones can cause problems, and this is why
we are advising the public not to bring phones close to their body or use in
the rain. Radio waves produced by mobile phones could interfere with important
electrical equipment, such as telecom masts, monitors, hospitals equipment’s
and electrical systems on airplanes, and that is why the ministry made it
mandatory for operators to install their masts five kilometres away from
residential areas.’’ Ogunjiofor added that ‘’ dangerous
driving is caused by mobile phones and it is important for operators to also enlighten the public
on the risks, because this will also help members of the society to enjoy their
lives.
Mothers should not allow their children to play with
mobile phones, especially when they are not of the age of using a mobile phone
and are not well educated on the use of it’’
Describing the statement as a personal opinion that does
not represent the position of the Minister or Ministry of Communication
Technology, Nkanga enjoined Nigerians to disregard the caution on the use of
mobile phones as various researches conducted by international organisations on
the safety of mobile phones use till date remain inconclusive.
Nkanga stressed that until results of a definitive and
conclusive research is obtained with zero doubts on the safety of cell phone
use, Nigerians can safely continue using their mobile phones.
The World Health Organisation WHO in September 2013 stated
that ’’Based on mixed epidemiological evidence on humans regarding an
association between exposure to RF radiation from wireless phones and head
cancers (glioma and acoustic neuroma), RF fields have been classified by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans
(Group 2B).
Studies to date provide no indication that environmental
exposure to RF fields, such as from base stations, increases the risk of cancer
or any other disease.” WHO also asserted that ‘’While
an increased risk of brain tumours from the use of mobile phones is not
established, the increasing use of mobile phones and the lack of data for
mobile phone use over time periods longer than 15 years warrant further
research of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk.
In particular, with the
recent popularity of mobile phone use among younger people, and therefore a
potentially longer lifetime of exposure, WHO has promoted further research on
this group and is currently assessing the health impact of RF fields on all
studied endpoints.”
Efem Nkanga:
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