A warning label of the possible health effects of using mobile phones could be placed on all handsets and packaging if legislation from Galway senator Niall Ó Brolcháin is successful.
The Green senator, along with party colleague Sen Mark Dearey and Fianna Fáil’s Sen Mark Daly, is pushing for legislation to make Ireland the first country in the world that would require mobile phones to carry a label giving the possible health effects of using mobile phones and information regarding radiation levels.
The bill would require that mobile phones meet with the required International Commission for Non-ionising Radiation Protection standard. Staff employed in mobile phone stores, or any store licensed to sell mobile phones, would also have to be sufficiently informed on all health matters relating to mobile phones.
“There is growing scientific evidence of a risk to health by long term use of mobile phones and this Bill is a practical proposal to warn the public about a potentially serious health problem,” said Sen Ó Brolcháin.
“The labelling of mobile phones with information on levels of non-ionizing radiation and the Specific Absorption Rate of each phone is being discussed around the world and I believe Ireland can set an important precedent here.”
