In Part 1 of this 3-part series on cell phones and
cancer, Wireless NewsFactor explored the outlines of a health debate
that has spawned substantial consumer unease. Part 2 addresses the dichotomy between
what researchers are saying and what handset makers are doing.
Even though everyone is shying away from the idea that mobile phones might -- just
might -- do a little something funky to the brain, a few companies are preparing a
solution to what might -- just might -- become a huge public relations pandemic.
In January, the Electronics Research Group said
it had assembled and tested a series of "phased
grid antennas," designed to significantly reduce the risks of radiation exposure for
cell phone users. The antennas are printed as lattices and supposedly reduce
mobile phone electromagnetic radiation emissions by up to 80 percent.
The most telling story here, though, is that the Electronics Research Group said it
is in talks with several mobile phone manufacturers to license the new antenna.
Responding to Concerns
Alan L. Haase, chief executive of another antenna maker,
SkyCross, told Wireless NewsFactor that he does
not believe these moves necessarily qualify as an admission of guilt.
"It shows that the handset makers are responding to the concerns of their customers --
whether those concerns are real or perceived," Haase said.
Haase is right: Even if the radiation level from mobile phones is safe, there is no harm
in reducing radiation levels even more. Demonizing the mobile phone industry for
attempting to reduce radiation is pretty silly. But some attorneys are
trying to make hay with class-action lawsuits
against the wireless industry.
Preparing for the Worst?
In June, The Times of London reported that Nokia,
Ericsson and Motorola had patented
"radiation shields" to reduce the risk of consumers
getting brain tumors from mobile phone radiation. The handset makers -- who point out
that there is no scientific evidence of dangerous radiation from mobile
phones -- also disputed this newspaper report.
"Reports of these patents misrepresented their nature and intent," Motorola director of
global strategic issues Norman Sandler told Wireless NewsFactor. "None of these Motorola
patents was motivated by any health-related concerns or issues. All were related to the
performance or efficient technical operation of our products."
Nokia was just as clear that the devices patented had nothing to do with trimming
radiation.
"The patent in question relates to antenna technology," Nokia spokesperson Keith Nowak
told Wireless NewsFactor. "In short, this patent was an antenna technology patent for
a more efficient antenna design -- with which the main benefits were enhanced
performance and battery life." (continued...)
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