Health Research

Radio waves are part of the non-ionising electromagnetic spectrum. Over 50 years of scientific research has already been conducted into the possible health effects from radio communication systems including mobile phones, base stations and other wireless services.

The data from this research has been analysed by many expert review groups. Weighing the whole body of evidence, there is no evidence to convince experts that exposure below the guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) carries any health risks, for adults or children. Carrier members continually review all significant research, such as health evaluation made by recognised scientific expert groups, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). Via the Mobile Carriers Forum, the Carriers ensure that consistent policies and practices are in line with the weight of recognised scientific opinion.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) position on mobile phones and cancer is that; “Current scientific evidence indicates that exposure to RF fields, such as those emitted by mobile phones and thei base stations, is unlikely to induce or promote cancers”  View more information here; www.who.int/features/qa/30/en/index.html

Despite this position, because so many people use mobile phones, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (or IARC, part of WHO) has coordinated a study called Interphone across 13 countries. The purpose of Interphone was to look at whether mobile phone use is associated with an increased risk of head and neck tumours. An Interphone study update in October 2008 reported that combined results from the 13 countries of Interphone are currently being prepared. It is expected that these will be published in a number of separate scientific papers during 2009. View more information here; www.emfexplained.info/?ID=24488

WHO also collate an EMF research database which provides information about research studies undertaken by eminent scientists, governments, International organisations and the mobile phone industry. View more information here; www.who.int/peh-emf/research/database/en/index.html