title: [Mobile telephones: a 'new risk'].
abstract: Mobile telephony has the characteristics of a 'new risk'. The exposure to the radiofrequency radiation of the mobile telephony system is not detected with the senses, and statements by experts that the technology is safe also evoke reactions of distrust. An unresolved question pertains to the degree of biological harm induced, and to the degree to which this harm--if any--is reversible in nature. Given the rapid penetration of mobile telephony in the global village, managing the associated risks should include a certain degree of precaution, e.g. in the form of sponsoring scientific research into the mechanisms of interaction between radiofrequency radiation and biological tissues, and especially into effects of such interactions in the long run.
authors.affiliation: Faculteit Gezondheidswetenschappen, capaciteitsgroep Gezondheidsrisicoanalyse en Toxicologie, Universiteit Maastricht. wfpasschier@wxs.nl
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Passchier
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011640:Public Policy; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013689:Telephone