Current research
A wide-ranging review of research into the safety of mobile phones in the UK was published in April 2012. It was published by the UK Health Protection Agency’s Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation.
The report is called Health Effects from Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields.
Findings
There had been questions raised in previous research, about the possibility of the radio waves from mobile phones interfering with brain activity. This has clearly been of concern to people with epilepsy.
The conclusion of the 2012 study was that there was “no evidence of health effects of radiofrequency field exposures below internationally accepted guideline levels.”
They did however issue some warnings.
- There are possible effects on EEG patterns, but these have not been conclusively established, and it is unclear whether such effects would have any health consequences.
- The risks to children seem to be higher than for adults.
- The reports are not consistent and are often small.
- It is too early to know about any possible long-term effects.
Epilepsy Action will continue to monitor this research and update the information as appropriate.
Long term study
UK COSMOS is a long term study of mobile phone use and health in the UK.
Join the UK COSMOS study by going to this website:ukcosmos.org
We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
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Updated July 2012To be reviewed July 2014
Comments: read the 4 comments or add yours
Comments
ive had it sence i was 7 and i have had 3 while useing a cell phone
I'm 31 and had my first seizure around 8years ago. I have had several whilst talking on my mobile phone and try now to limit its use and avoid making calls altogether if I am feeling particularly tired/run down. Regardless of what they say has or has not been proven I know that for me personally it is definitely a trigger.
I also feel these symptoms of a seizure coming on when using a cell phone. When the industry uses phrases like "there is no definite link established", they are doing what they can to keep from being held liable. It's all legal speak.
I think we have more to worry about than just the (cell) phones - wifi, cordless phones, not to mention the towers and antennas that support these technologies are also culprits. I saw a thread somewhere linking seizures to solar and geomagnetic activity too. Google it.