Exposure from mobiles
Exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields from mobile devices is measured using the specific absorption rate (SAR) – the amount of energy from an RF field absorbed by the human body, expressed as watts per kilogram (W/kg).
Mobiles and health
The vast majority of experts agree that mobile devices do not produce enough RF energy to cause long-term changes in the body.
Based on thousands of scientific studies, the World Health Organization (WHO) concludes in its factsheet Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile phones, published in June 2011, that “no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use”. Read more about the WHO conclusions and recommendations on the use of mobile devices.
In May 2010, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published the first combined findings from all study centres of the Interphone study, a major piece of research into the possible health effects of mobile devices.The study observed no overall increase in the risk of glioma or meningioma (tumours of the head) from the use of mobile devices. This is consistent with expert reviews of the large body of existing research. While Interphone researchers reported that there may be an increased risk of glioma at the highest exposure levels, they discussed limitations in the study which prevent them from stating a causal link. IARC recommends further investigation into long-term heavy use of mobile devices.
The UK National Health Service reports that Interphone does not provide evidence that mobile phones cause cancer:
"While there is a need for further research into longer-term mobile phone use, this study certainly does not support the clear-cut claims of some newspapers that “talking for 30 minutes a day” increases the risk of brain tumours."
Reducing exposure
International guidelines ensure that all mobile devices and their base stations operate within strict radio frequency (RF) exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines have a substantial safety margin built into them and are the basis for ensuring our technology is safe.
Children and mobiles
Having a mobile device can improve children’s personal security, as they can maintain contact with their parents and get help in emergencies.
Current technologies
Mobile technology is advancing all the time to provide new services, better coverage and higher speeds. Current technologies available to our customers include GSM, 3G, Wi-Fi, and femtocells.
Future technologies
Mobile technology is advancing all the time to provide new services, better coverage and higher speeds. We recognise that there may be some concern about the possible health impacts of new technologies.