UK: Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) Programme

Following the publication of the report by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones a research programme, called the Link Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme (MTHR), has been set up to look into the possible health impact of Mobile Telecommunications.

Scope MTHR1

• Effects on brain function;
• Consequences of exposure to pulsed signals;
• Improvements in dosimetry;
• Sub cellular and cellular changes induced by RF exposure;
• Psychological and sociological studies on the use of mobile phones;
• Epidemiological and human volunteer studies including the study of children, and individuals who might be more susceptible to RF signals.

Scope MTHR2

• Cohort study of adult mobile phone users;
• Electrical hypersensitivity and Tetra exposures;
• Case-control study of children and brain tumours;
• Cohort study of child illness and mobile phone exposures;
• Microdosimetry of human tissues and cells;
• Risk of driving or operating machinery while using a mobile.

Status

Calls for research proposals in February 2001, December 2001 and December 2002 resulting in funding for 28 projects. The MTHR1 phase is now largely complete and a progress report was published in September 2007.

A request for proposals for the MTHR2 programme was issued in late 2007.