Mobile phone base stations and health
Mobile devices work by sending and receiving low power radio signals, directly to a mobile base station. The radio signal generated by mobile phone base station antennas is often referred to as radiofrequency Electromagnetic Energy (EME).
Like many other things, base stations (and more specifically, EME levels) are subject to a strict safety standard regulated by the Australian Federal Government. The regulation is set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) after careful analysis of national and international scientific studies. The Standard is based on guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The regulations cover lots of radio services including AM and FM radio, police, fire and ambulance communications as well as mobile phones, wireless devices and mobile base stations.
ARPANSA advises “Based on current research there are no established health effects from the low level exposure to the RF EME from mobile phone and NBN base station antennas.”
The safety standard is set at a level that protects everyone, including children and the elderly.
The standard is based on detailed, independent evaluations of scientific studies.
Mobile base stations must comply with these regulations and information on the compliance and emission levels can be found on the national site database at www.rfnsa.com.au for each site.
AMTA Fact Sheet – A Guide to Small Cells
AMTA Fact Sheet – What is 5G?
ARPANSA fact sheet – Mobile phone base stations and health
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) – Mobile phone base stations