Jun 5, 2008 8:48 am US/Eastern
Scientists Push Study Of Cell Phones, Kids
DENVER, Co. (AP) ―
A panel of scientists led by a University of Colorado professor and commissioned by the FDA is calling for more study of the possible long term effects of using cell phones on children.
Frank Barnes said there have been studies of the short term effects of radio frequency energy on developing brains and nervous systems. But there has been no research of the long term effects.
"What we do know, in part is, that there are not immediate short term effects that are major," said Barnes. "What we don't know is what long term exposures may or may not do."
Two out of 5 children between the ages of 8 and 14 has a cell phone, according to surveys. Sixty percent of teens have a cell phone. There are even kiddie phones for 5-year-olds.
The national research council Barnes chairs is recommending a long term study of cell phone use by children. There parameters and funding still need to be worked out.
Barnes said results could be years away.
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