While scientific studies have not proved conclusively that mobile phones damage the brain, many shoppers on London's Fleet Street yesterday expressed concern that the mobile phone companies had not provided enough information about microwave emissions. Overall, however, people said they would continue using the mobile phone in their pocket.
Pauline (37), who works in a bank, was browsing through the literature at The Link mobile phone store on London's Fleet Street looking for a new model. She said she was aware of the reports about a possible link between mobile phone use and brain tumours, but was "not unduly worried" by the possible health risks.
"I'm moderately interested in the subject and I do wish the phone companies and the shops would provide more information about health risks but it's not really a consideration."
Looking for an up-grade of his current mobile phone, Mr Jeff Ayers, an American lawyer working in London, was unconcerned about the health reports and said he felt they were creating unnecessary concern among the public.
Mobile phone users would make up their own minds about the possible risks to their health, he said: "I think these reports are making a big deal out of nothing. Most people don't use their phones for hours and hours and that's where the risks seem to come from." Mr Michael Richardson (29), a local builder, was looking for a new mobile phone in the Odyssey store in Fleet Street and said he was "concerned" about the amount of time he spent using his phone.
But his fears were not strong enough to make him stop using it: "I couldn't do without it now that I've got it. Maybe if the companies put a leaflet out about the risks, then more people would take notice, but until it's been proven it won't make me change my habits."
After arranging a lunch date on her mobile phone, Ms Yasmin Toner (24), said despite being worried about the risks, she felt safer with a mobile phone: "I do think people should know more about the risks, but in the end we would never use any machines if we listened to all the scientists. I need it for when I'm driving and I break down far from home."
But Mr Gianni Piolini, a systems accountant with the Royal Bank of Scotland, said the reports of health risks had put him off buying a mobile phone:
"I don't own one and I'm not going to use one. People who have them should just use them for emergencies or should reduce their use. I think they should be banned in public places anyway, they're really annoying."
Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia said yesterday it would launch a pilot scheme to wed the mobile phone to payment cards, using wireless technology. Nokia said it would launch the pilot programme later this year with Visa International and the Finnish-Swedish banking group Merita Nordbanken.