Appendix B

Warnings about Cordless Phones

All of the warnings that apply to mobile phones are relevant to cordless phones. In addition, here are some warnings specifically for cordless-phone use.

AUSTRALIAN RADIATION PROTECTION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY AGENCY

Australia’s radiation authority recommended that parents encourage their children to limit their exposure to cordless-phone radiation.

AUSTRIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

The Association recommended ‘the use of “classical” cord phones’ rather than cordless phones.

BENEVENTO RESOLUTION

Scientists at a 2006 conference in Benevento, Italy, endorsed a statement encouraging governments to adopt precautionary strategies, including the following actions:

‘6.2. Inform the population of the potential risks of cell phone and cordless phone use. Advise consumers to limit wireless calls and use a land line for long conversations.

6.3. Limit cell phone and cordless phone use by young children and teenagers to the lowest possible level and urgently ban telecom companies from marketing to them.

6.4. Require manufacturers to supply hands-free kits (via speaker phones or ear phones), with each cell phone and cordless phone.’

MINISTRY OF HEALTH (ISRAEL)

The Ministry advised people to use a landline rather than a cordless phone. If a person had to use a cordless phone, the Ministry advised using speaker function, keeping the base away from bedrooms and other high-use rooms, and returning the handset to the cradle when the phone is not being used.

SALZBURG DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (AUSTRIA)

The Department advised against using DECT (cordless) technologies in schools or kindergartens.