Several US mobile phone companies and equipment manufacturers have been named as defendants in two class-action lawsuits alleging links between mobile phones and possible health risks, The Washington Postreported today.
The lawsuits name as defendants 25 of the largest companies in the industry – from mobile telephone carriers such as Sprint and Nokia.
The alleged links include damage to basic brain function, genetic irregularities and increased vulnerability to toxins and infections.
The suits do not claim that anyone has actually suffered an illness. Rather, they seek money for headsets to mitigate exposure to radiation, plus unspecified punitive damages, the report added.
Industry representatives disputed claims of possible health risks linked to cell phones.
Motorola's director of global strategic issues, Mr Norman Sandler was quoted as saying: "There is absolutely no credible scientific evidence of any health risks associated with the use of wireless phones."
Verizon spokeswoman Ms Nancy Stark said: "The available scientific evidence doesn't demonstrate any adverse health effects."
AFP