The current evidence that mobile phones probably do not cause tumours or other personal harm might protect the industry from successful litigation now, but if research eventually demonstrates the opposite our rigorous health and safety legislation will most likely ensure that future claims for damages for mobile phone-related injury will succeed if the industry has continued to shut its mind to the possible risks and actively encouraged the use of phones to the potentially vulnerable.

One has only to think of the vast number of claims that have arisen in the UK and abroad resulting from exposure to, for example, asbestos and coal dust, the risks of damage from which were for many years underestimated or ignored.

Yours faithfully,
ALAN SMITH,
(Barrister),
Old Square Chambers,
1 Verulam Buildings,
Gray’s Inn, WC1R 5LQ.
January 12.

Explore Letters

• Feedback