Both mobile phones and
base stations emit low levels of RF energy when being used. Questions
have been asked as to what, if any, effect
these radio waves may have on the health of the user and the public
at large? The following information provides an overview of the current
status of RF research and provides links to all of the key sources
of information to help answer questions.
What is the view of the World Health Organization (WHO)?
‘In the area of biological effects and medical applications
of non-ionizing radiation approximately 25,000 articles have been
published over the past 30
years. Despite the feeling of some people that more research needs to be done,
scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals.
Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the WHO concluded
that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences
from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. However, some gaps in knowledge
about biological effects exist and need further research.'
Source: http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/index1.html
Please note: The WHO figure includes abstracts and other articles
in the ELF field – which
are not addressed here.
What research has been undertaken to date?
There
are already more than 1400 peer-reviewed publication on the biological and
health effects of RF fields.
| Research Study Type |
Ongoing 1 |
Reported
but not
Published 1 |
Published 2 |
| Epidemiology |
39 |
7 |
215 |
| Human Studies |
61 |
18 |
139 |
| In vitro |
59 |
32 |
376 |
| In vivo |
54 |
33 |
725 |
| TOTALS |
213 |
90 |
1455 |
Footnote:
1. From WHO Database
2. From IEEE Database.
Both databases are available on the WHO website: http://www.who.int/emf
The MMF itself has an active research program that is often undertaken
in conjunction with national and international health bodies. Click
on MMF Research Program in the navigation bar to view details of
this program.
What are the conclusions from expert review panels?
National and international independent expert panels have reviewed the literature every year or so for last twelve years. These reviews have been consistent in concluding that scientific research has demonstrated no public health risks from living near mobile phone base stations or from the phones themselves or indeed any other radio products operating within internationally accepted exposure guidelines.
Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR)
"Radio Frequency Fields (RF fields)
Since the adoption of the 2001 opinion extensive research has been conducted regarding possible health effects of exposure to low intensity RF fields, including epidemiologic, in vivo, and in vitro research. In conclusion, no health effect has been consistently demonstrated at exposure levels below the limits of ICNIRP (International Committeeon Non Ionising Radiation Protection) established in 1998. However, the data base for evaluation remains limited especially for long-term low-level exposure."
Source: Opinion on Possible effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on Human Health. March 2007
Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
"So far no adverse short or long-term health effects have been found from exposure to the RF signals produced by mobile phones and base station transmitters. RF signals have not been found to cause cancer. However research is underway to investigate whether there are likely to be any subtle, noncancer effects on children and adolescents. The results of this research will need to be considered in due course."
Source: Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. March 2007
For a complete list of independent expert reviews, please click here. |
