Accord may help assess cell phone risk

A global standard-setting organization said Wednesday that it had brokered an accord to help authorities assess the potential health risks facing mobile phone users.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), whose standards are used in 100 nations, said its new guidelines would make it easier for phone manufacturers and officials to compare research done in different countries on mobile phone radiation.

"Scientists are still debating the long-term effects of this, particularly in the brain," said IEC.