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LEVI STRAUSS TO LAUNCH JEANS

WITH ‘ANTI-RADIATION’ PHONE POCKETS

The fashion industry entered the debate over possible health risks from mobile phones after Levi Strauss, the jeans group, unveiled a pair of trousers designed to protect wearers from handset radiation. The trousers, to be launched in the UK next year under Levi’s Dockers brand, contain mobile phone pockets with “anti-radiation lining to prevent possible health risks.”

The move is likely to inflame the mobile phone industry, which is already tackling claims by manufacturers of radiation shields and other devices that their products protect consumers from harmful radio frequency emissions.

Levi said it was responding to consumer concerns rather than suggesting fears about mobile phone radiation were justified.

Years of research have failed to establish any adverse health risks but the government’s committee of scientific experts has advised consumers to adopt a “precautionary principle”, with special consideration given to children.

Scientists and the mobile phone industry would not comment on the new trousers because no further technical information about Dockers’ anti-radiation lining was available yesterday.

However, a recent Department of Trade and Industry review of existing radiation devices for mobile phones found shortcomings with many products.

Michael Milligan, general secretary of the Mobile Manufacturers Forum, said yesterday: “Numerous studies, including the DTI report in the UK and World Health Organisation advice have concluded that shielding devices are not necessary and not very effective.”

THE FINANCIAL TIMES, Sept. 12, 2002