Sibal confirms cell phone radiation levels in country safe

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives, so much that we spend a major chunk lives glued to it, putting us at a major risk of radiation. At an international conference organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Telecom minister, Kapil Sibal confirmed that the cell phone, tower radiation levels in the country are well within the prescribed limits, hence safe. According to an official statement, Sibal stated, "Science and technology offer new hazards and solutions that throw up a constant conflict between two public interests. But human health is fundamental and should be placed two steps ahead of scientific solutions."

Keeping radiation at bay

The official statement further confirmed that the government had set up an inter-ministerial committee, which upon research, confirmed that emissions from base transceiver stations (BTSs) are one-hundredth of the prescribed limits, and users, therefore are safe from any threats of radiation. Sibal, too confirmed this. Reports about electro-magnetic emissions, such as the ones from mobile phones and towers triggering  brain cancer and tumour are in plenty. However, according to this official statement, Dr. Vijaylaxmi, professor at the department of radiation oncology at University of Texas Health Science Center denied this, stating there was no scientific evidence to back it. 

Radiation from mobile phones has been a topic of debate, for a while now; with some even claiming that they may be carcinogenic. The government has been working out on ways to try and keep radiation emissions within permissable limits, and to that effect, it confirmed that it would be announcing a set of norms, including compulsorily featuring the SAR levels on mobile phones and making the use of handsfree mandatory.