Over the past 20 years, more than 30 authoritative expert scientific reviews have evaluated the evidence on the potential health and biological effects of radio frequency fields and have consistently concluded that there is no established evidence of health effects.
On mobile phone safety and health, the WHO advise:
The WHO also provides information on how to effectively reduce mobile phone exposure:
The WHO’s practical steps that people can take to reduce exposure if they are concerned include:
- Use a hands-free kit or loudspeaker so the mobile is away from the head and body
- Use text messages when practical
- Limit the length or number of calls
Mobile phone systems (mobiles and base stations) are designed, built and tested to comply with strict science-based safety standards, which have substantial in-built safety margins.
Handsets and base stations are also designed to reduce power automatically to the lowest possible level to maintain a good quality connection. In practice, this means the mobile system automatically reduces the emission levels and lowers exposure.
Additional Information
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
EMF Explained
Guide on reducing exposure from mobile phones
The Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association (AMTA) relies on the World Health Organisation's precautionary advice, which says:
Present scientific information does not indicate the need for any special precautions for use of mobile phones. If individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children's RF [radiofrequency] exposure by limiting the length of calls, or using 'hands-free' devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body.
This guide is designed to help people take actions that reduce their personal RF exposure and answer some popular questions about RF exposure when using a mobile phone.
What is the best way to reduce my exposure?
The strength of the radio signals from a mobile phone is greatest near the phone’s antenna and reduces rapidly with distance. Therefore, the best way to reduce your exposure to the head is to use a portable hands-free device, either wired or Bluetooth, and hold the phone in your hand away from your body. You can also use a speaker phone option.
I have heard that a wired hands-free kits increases exposure?
It is a myth that wired hands-free kits increase exposure by acting as a route for the radio waves to travel along. Independent research in Choice in 2000 found personal hands-free kits used normally with the earpiece cable hanging naturally from the ear, reduce exposure by around 92 per cent.
Wouldn’t the radio waves used by a Bluetooth device add to my exposure?
Bluetooth is radio technology designed to connect electronic devices using wireless, such as hands free earpieces, to mobile phones. Bluetooth operates over very short distances, typically a few metres and is very low powered - about one hundred times lower than mobile phones. Therefore, using a Bluetooth hands free and moving your mobile phone further away from your head and body still reduces the total amount of radio waves you’re exposed to.
What about buying a phone with a low SAR rating?
The SAR values reported for each model of mobile phone are maximum values and do not reflect typical exposure received in every-day use. This is because mobile phones automatically adjust to the minimum power level needed to successfully maintain a quality call. This automatic power reduction allows mobile phones to operate more efficiently to preserve battery life, increase talk time and reduce network interference.
Comparing SAR values is not like comparing, for example, energy efficiency stars on electrical appliances. A mobile phones maximum SAR is always below safety standards, but varies widely during everyday use, whereas the energy efficiency of electrical appliances is largely stable.
Should I avoid placing my phone in a pocket right next to my body?
Mobile phones generally get the best reception when clear of nearby obstacles, including the body. Mobile phone user manuals provide information on correct usage including normal use positions. In most cases user manuals recommend that external antennas should not be touched. Phone models with internal antennas should not be touched near the antenna when using the phone. Some manuals also recommend distances that mobile phones should be kept away from the body - usually between 15mm to 25mm.
Do shielding or absorbing devices work?
Studies have shown that these products generally do not work as advertised. The WHO advises that the effectiveness of the shields is unproven. Unlike portable hand-free devices, these so-called ‘shields’ may interfere with the proper operation of the phone. The phone may be forced to boost its power to compensate, leading to an increase in your personal exposure.
Should I avoid using my phone in enclosed spaces like a bus or train?
No. This is another myth based on incorrect information. This myth assumes that all mobile phone signals are virtually trapped by the enclosure and add up creating a possible hazard. The reality is the phone signals are usually not trapped, vary in power and the signal level reduces very quickly with distance. Because mobile phones are low powered, you could simply not get enough phones to create a hazard. If the signals were trapped, the phones simply would not work.
What about using a phone when moving at high speed – am I exposed more?
No. The output power of a mobile is continuously monitored by the network and adjusted to the lowest level possible to maintain a quality call. This feature is known as adaptive power control. When moving at high speed, you are more likely to roam between cells and the mobile will ‘handover’ while roaming. During handover, if you are in a call, GSM networks momentarily transmit the handover messages at full power to ensure connection, then power back to the lowest possible power. The handover at full power is less than a second and has negligible impact on the average phone power. CDMA and 3G networks determine the required power prior to handover. There is very little difference in the output phone power as a result of roaming between cells.
Should I avoid using a phone in low signal areas?
The output power from a mobile phone varies considerably during a call as a result of the network reception. In low signal areas a mobile phone will generally use more power to connect than in higher signal areas. Mobile phones are tested for safety compliance at maximum possible power and this covers all operating environments, including low signal areas.
In normal operation, the power from a mobile phone will vary depending on a number of factors, including the signal level from the network. Generally the closer you are to a base station, the better the reception and lower the output of your phone. It’s important to remember that mobiles are tested for safety compliance in low signal areas. Consult the phone manual for tips on improving reception.
Do children need to take additional precautions?
It is entirely understandable that some parents may be concerned about mobile phone safety and their children’s use of mobiles. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of greater vulnerability for children because of an increased susceptibility to health risks during developmental stages and because young people will use mobile phones for most of their lives.
However, a number of independent reviews of all available science by international health authorities and governments have carefully considered this concern and found no evidence of any additional risk to children from mobile phone technologies.
Also, international safety standards have taken these concerns and potential risks into account when setting safe exposure limits.
While stating that there is no scientific justification for precautionary measures, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) offers advice to concerned parents along similar lines to those of the World Health Organization:
"Community concern has been expressed with regard to mobile telephone use by children. At present, there is insufficient evidence in the science to substantiate the hypothesis that children maybe more vulnerable to RF EME emissions from mobile phones than adults.
"It’s recognised that parents provide mobile phones to their children for different reasons, including their child’s personal security as well as the assurance of their child being constantly contactable. It is recommended that if individuals are concerned, they should choose to limit their own or their children’s RF EME exposure by limiting the number and length of calls, or using "hands-free" devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body. Users should pay attention to manufacturers’ advice regarding spacing from the body if phones are to be attached to belts or placed in pockets."
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