Minister Advises Nigerians On Dangers Of Using Mobile Phones
The
Minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson, on Thursday in
Abuja cautioned the public on the risks which go with the use of mobile
phones.
Mrs. Johnson, represented by Ngozi Ogujiofor, a Deputy
Director in the ministry, gave the advice while speaking with the News
Agency of Nigeria 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, Mrs. 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.
Mrs. 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.
She 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 a
hands-free device if you must receive such calls, she said.
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