DAM has fears over mobile phone risks
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The Government is to set up an advisory committee to look into mobile phone health fears, but there are concerns that any research will fail to replicate drivers' working conditions.
Jack Crossfield of Drivers' Action Movement, who has been campaigning for mobile phones to be tested, is worried that too much emphasis may be placed on unrealistic data.
"The actual environment we live in is entirely different to a laboratory," he says. "HGV drivers are unique in that they're in a sardine can for a long period of time and I don't know many lab conditions where they work 15 hours a day." Public Health Minister Tessa Jewell has asked the National Radiological Protection Group to form an advisory committee from consumer groups and scientists to provide the public with independent advice and risk assessment.
Crossfield says that DAM would be very interested in being part of that committee but he does not expect to be asked.
Our concern is the protection of drivers who work excessive hours in an enclosed environment." he explains. Some of our fears are very serious indeed, but I don't think we will be asked to join."