Is Vodafone involved in health research

Mobile phones and your health

At Vodafone we recognise that some people are concerned about the possible health effects of mobile phones and their base stations. This fact sheet outlines some of the ways Vodafone contributes to research relating to mobile phone technology.

Is Vodafone involved in health research?

Vodafone is committed to supporting independent research into the use of mobile phones. Since 1999, Vodafone has globally committed more than $15.6 million to an eight year program of research projects.

Vodafone also directly contributes to the Australian Government's electromagnetic energy (EME) research program through a mobile phone carrier license levy ($4.5 million over five years). In 2002, this program was extended for a further five years.

Vodafone continually reviews all significant research, such as the health evaluations made by recognised scientific expert groups, including the World Health Organization (WHO), The Royal Society of Canada and the UK Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR).

Vodafone ensures its policies and practices are in line with the weight of recognised scientific opinion.

How is research being co-ordinated internationally?

In 1996, the World Health Organization established the International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project to examine electricity and radiofrequency signals such as those associated with mobile phone technology. This project is a major International collaborative project involving more than 50 globally recognised health agencies and expert scientific organisations. The goals of the International EMF project are to:

• Provide a forum for a co-ordinated International investigation of possible EME health effects
• Assess the scientific literature and make status reports on health risks
• Identify gaps in knowledge that needs to be filled to make better health risk assessments
• Encourage a focused research program with funding agencies
• Evaluate research results and make health risk assessments on EME exposure
• Facilitate the development of Internationally acceptable standards for EME exposure
• Provide advice and publications to National authorities on EME issues

Through this project, the WHO has identified necessary research into radiofrequency (RF) signals. In June 2004, the WHO drew together eminent scientists and reviewed the EMF research program establishing the next phase of research priorities. These RF research projects are jointly funded by governments, International organisations and the mobile phone industry. Where industry funding is involved important measures have been implemented to ensure complete independence of the research undertaken by the laboratories. For more information on these projects, visit www.who.int/peh-emf/research/en/

Is there any research on RF signals and health being conducted in Australia?

Yes. In 1996, the Australian Government allocated $4.5 million over five years for research into RF signals and health. This research commitment was renewed in the 2001/2002 budget. Funding for this research is derived from a special levy on Australia's mobile phone carriers, and also funds Australia's contribution to the WHO International EMF project.

To ensure complete independence, a committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) manages this research and funding allocation.

In 2003, the NH&MRC funded the establishment of a centre of research excellence in electromagnetic energy (ACRBR), a consortium of research institutions lead by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The Centre brings multidisciplinary specialist scientific teams together to conduct research on possible health risks and provide research training in RF signals. (ACRBR = Australian Centre for Radiofrequency Bioeffects Research web: www.acrbr.org)

What key International research is currently underway?

International research on mobile phones and health is continuing. Projects currently underway, or about to commence, include:

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the WHO, is coordinating a series of large studies investigating whether there is an association between mobile phone use and brain cancer. At least 13 countries, including Australia, are participating in the studies. The results from these research studies have started to be published. The IARC review is expected in 2006.
• The European Commission, under its research program known as the Sixth Framework Programme, is sponsoring a number of studies on the health effects of mobile phone emissions. This research is a continuation of prior research.
• The United Kingdom's Department of Health announced a major research program on the possible health effects of mobile phone emissions. One strong area of focus in this planned research is the non-cancer effects, such as effects on brain function.
• Various other government-supported National research programs on mobile phone health issues are underway in countries including the US, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Sweden. Most of these programs are being coordinated with the programs of the WHO or the European Commission.

Further Information

Vodafone encourages anyone concerned about the health effects of mobile phones and base stations to seek independent reliable expert advice. Below are some organisations that may be able to help.

World Health Organization - EMF Project
www.who.int/peh-emf/en/

Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF)
Phone (02) 9959 9111
www.acif.org.au

Australian Radiation Protection Nuclear Safety Agency
(ARPANSA)
Phone: (03) 9433 2211
www.arpansa.gov.au

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
Phone: (02) 6219 5555
http://emr.acma.gov.au or www.acma.gov.au

UK Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk/radiation

Australian Centre for Radiofrequency Bioeffects Research
www.acrbr.org

For further information, please contact
Vodafone's EME Manager.
Phone: (02) 9415-7002 or (02) 9415-7008
Email: ememanagement.au@vodafone.com