Mobile phones and health
Mobile phones are sophisticated two-way radios that use radiofrequency (RF) signals to transmit and receive voice and data. When you make or receive a call, your mobile phone communicates with a network of low powered radio transceivers called base stations. Each base station covers a small geographic area, referred to as a "cell", and cells are interlinked to create the cellular network. A mobile phone may communicate with several different base stations during a single call which makes it possible for you to continue your call while on the move. The base station network is linked to the public telephone network so that mobile phone calls can be made to other networks, cities and countries around the world.
Health standards
Some people are concerned that exposure to the energy carried by RF signals (often referred to as electromagnetic energy, or EME) may affect their health.
For nearly a century, people have used RF signals from a variety of sources in a number of ways, including televisions, radios, walkie-talkies and baby listening devices. (AM and FM radio transmitters actually account for more RF signals in the environment than all other sources combined, including mobile phone services.)
The World Health Organization, health authorities and governments around the world closely monitor the safety of radio technology and have cooperated to develop National and International guidelines to ensure the safety of mobile phone technology.
As the largest mobile phone company in the world, Vodafone has processes in place to ensure that all Vodafone base stations and mobile phone terminals allowed on its networks comply with National and International safety guidelines and standards.
Scientific research
For more than five decades, scientists have monitored the effectiveness of the International guidelines and studied the effects of energy carried by RF signals.
Independent expert reviews of these studies conclude that absorption of the energy from mobile phones and their base stations poses no threat to human health, as long as the phones and base stations are operated within international guidelines.
Vodafone supports the ongoing research into ensuring mobile phones are safe. Since 1999, Vodafone has globally committed more than $15.6 million in support of independent research projects into the safety of mobile phones.
Vodafone directly contributes to the Australian Government's EME research program through a mobile phone carrier license levy ($4.5 million over 5 years). In 2002, this program was extended for a further five years.
Vodafone continually reviews all significant research. And we are always ready to update our policies and practices in line with the weight of recognised scientific opinion.
Steps to take if people are concerned
We want to continue to provide useful and relevant information to those members of the public who may have concerns. These include making all relevant information accessible on Vodafone's global and national websites, as well as in our stores, and via call centres.
If you are concerned about the health effects of mobile phones or base stations we suggest that the World Health Organization's guidance on the subject may be helpful. The WHO concludes that the current scientific research indicates that exposure to radio frequency fields such as those emitted by mobile phones and masts, is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects.
The WHO states that on the basis of present scientific information there is no indication that there is a need for special precautions for use of mobile phones. However, if you are worried and you personally want to take precautionary measures, the WHO suggests you might wish to use a "hands free" device to keep mobile phones away from the head and body; or limit the length of calls.
Mobile phones have been with us for 20 years. The majority of experts who study mobile phones, masts and health have suggested no changes to their current behaviour when it comes to people using mobile phones or living and working in the area close to base stations.
Some consumers are keen to access information about the amount of energy they may be exposed to from each model of mobile phone - referred to as the specific absorption rate (SAR).
Handset manufacturers provide information about SAR levels for all new phones sold in Australia and New Zealand. Information on your mobile phone's SAR level can be found within the product manual, or via the manufacturer's website.
Mobile technology provides benefits in terms of convenience, personal security and safety as well as helping enrich people's lives through communication in a completely mobile world. Mobile phones are part of our lives, and are especially valuable in emergency situations.
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 Radiation Protection Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
Phone: (03) 9433 2211
www.arpansa.gov.au/eme/index.cfm
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
Phone: (02) 6219 5555
http://emr.acma.gov.au or www.acma.gov.au
UK Independent Expert Group Mobile Phones (Stewart Report)
iegmp.org.uk
UK Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk/radiation
For further information, please contact Vodafone's EME Manager. Phone: (02) 9415-7002 or (02) 9415-7008 Email: ememanagement.au@vodafone.com
