Most cordless telephones made in the last few years have been made to the Digital European Cordless Telephone (DECT) standard. Unlike the older analogue cordless phones, which operate at a lower frequency and do not pulse, DECT models emit pulses of microwave radiation very similar to those emitted by mobile phones.

Powerwatch UK, an independent consultancy service regarding electromagnetic fields and their health effects, has received as many complaints about the DECT models as they have about mobile telephones: headaches, earaches, extreme fatigue, concentration, memory loss, etc. Dr. Peter French of St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia reported that he has recently heard of three cases of lymphoma (lymph cancer) linked to excessive use of cordless telephones. In the principal case he described, the primary lesion was on the neck. The dead woman had used her cordless ‘phone up to four hours a day for 2-3 years.

Although mobile phones power down automatically to ensure that the user receives the smallest dose of radiation possible without damaging reception, DECT cordless telephones emit fixed 250 milliwatt pulses wherever they are - 100 bursts every second. Many scientists believe that these can interfere with the brain’s intercellular signalling.

Cordless phones also emit low level frequencies. These are typically 5000 nanotesla in strength. Many studies have linked childhood leukaemia to exposures as low as 250 nanotesla fields.

The base units also emit both microwaves and low frequency fields. It is important to site them at least six feet from where you habitually sit or sleep. Remember when choosing the least harmful spot that low frequency fields travel through walls. Base units emit low frequency fields all the time they are plugged into the mains, and further fields whenever the phone rings. These secondary fields cut out if you take the call on an ordinary (wired) telephone.

If you use a DECT cordless near its base, it is even worse. You will be getting a triple dose of electromagnetic fields.

Alasdair Philips of Powerwatch recommends that children are never allowed to use DECT cordless telephones. His overall advice for DECT cordless phones is the same as his advice for mobile telephones:

• use an ordinary wired telephone whenever possible

• when you have to use a DECT cordless, keep call times below two minutes

For more information visit the Powerwatch web site: www.powerwatch.org.uk