Minister advises Nigerians on risks of using mobile phones

Mrs Omobola Johnson, the Minister of Communications Technology, on
Thursday in Abuja cautioned the public on the risks which go with the
use of mobile phones.

Johnson, represented by Mrs Ngozi Ogujiofor, a Deputy Director in the
ministry, gave the advice while speaking after the inauguration of
Etisalat Experience Centre.

She said one of the most dangerous devices of communications was the
mobile phones, and they could affect health and cause damages to the
body.

"Radiation from phones can cause problems, and this is why we are
advising the public not to bring phones close to their body or use in
the rain.

"The most dangerous and important element in the communications sector
is mobile phones, because of the health and other related risks they
bring,'' the minister said.

She also advised telephone companies and operators to carry out
sensitisation programmes to enlighten Nigerians on the risks of using
mobile phones.

"It is important for operators to also enlighten the public on the
risks, because this will also help members of the society to enjoy
their lives,'' Johnson said.

The minister said there were some radioactive elements in the mobile
phone which might affect the body and cause cancer and other health
challenges.
Johnson said there were possibilities that radio waves produced by
mobile phones could interfere with important electrical equipment,
such as telecom masts, monitors, hospitals equipments and electrical
systems on airplanes.

She said that was the reason the ministry made it mandatory for
operators to install their masts five kilometres away from residential
areas.

"Mothers should not allow their children to play with mobile phones,
especially when they are not of the age of using a mobile phone and
are not well educated on the use of it,'' the minister said.

Johnson also cautioned people against using phones while driving.

"The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has made it an offence
punishable under the law for anybody to use a mobile phone while
driving.

"This is because that can lead to an accident, which may result in
death or permanent injury. The best way you can avoid this is to park
or use an hands-free device if you must receive such calls,'' she
said.
(NAN)