Introduction
What kind of radiation do mobile phones use?
Known effects
RF exposure levels
Can mobile phones cause headaches?
What about cancer?
Other risks
Conclusion
Further web reading
Introduction
 Since
the introduction of mobile phones to Australia, there have been
concerns regarding their effect on human health.
What kind of radiation do mobile phones use?
Mobile phones produce radiofrequency (RF) radiation that is part
of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Most mobile phones
transmit and receive RF radiation at frequencies of between 825
and 915 megahertz (MHz).
Known effects
Scientists have known for a long time about the ability of RF
radiation to cause heating, which can lead to severe health effects
on the body such as fatigue, reduced mental concentration and
cataracts if exposed to very high levels. These effects are known
as thermal effects, some of which can be created by subjecting
a person to a warm environment.
RF exposure levels
The Radiation Protection Standard for Maximum Exposure Levels
to Radiofrequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz (2002) specifies limits
on exposure to RF radiation from various sources, including mobile
phones. The level at which these limits are set is much lower
than the levels at which any thermal (heating) effects can occur.
If the mobile phone is installed in a vehicle with a vehicle
mounted antenna, the Standard allows the RF levels to be higher
than the levels near a handheld mobile phone. This is because
the vehicle mounted antenna is further away from the user than
the antenna of a hand held mobile phone.
Hands free kits allow people to make phone calls without having
to hold the mobile phone next to their head. The user is then
free to use both hands to perform other tasks. Due to the increased
separation between the antenna and the user’s head, RF exposure
to the head is reduced by about 100 times when compared to normal
mobile phone use.
Can mobile phones cause headaches?
Some users of mobile phones complain of sensations of heating,
headaches and nausea when using their mobile phone. However, whether
these effects can result from the RF levels associated with mobile
phones has not been verified by scientific studies.
Some research has shown that RF radiation levels below the limits
specified in the Standard can cause certain biological effects
but has not established that these biological effects can adversely
affect health. It is important to know the difference between
biological and health effects, for example, moving from near sea
level to somewhere in the mountains causes more blood cells to
be made - a biological effect but not a health effect.
What about cancer?
In recent years attention has been focussed on the possibility
that long term exposure to RF radiation may be responsible for
serious health effects, such as cancer. Research continues to
be undertaken on several fronts including the study of human populations
and laboratory experiments on cells and tissues, and on rats and
mice. While some studies have found effects associated with exposure
to RF radiation, other studies have not shown such effects. To
date, this research has not provided substantive evidence that
exposure to RF radiation typical of the levels around mobile phones
can cause cancer in humans.
Other risks
RF radiation from mobile phones can affect the operation of sensitive
electronic equipment such as aircraft navigation systems and medical
equipment. This may indirectly endanger the lives of people through
the failure of these electronic systems and warnings to turn mobile
phones off are given in aircraft and hospitals.
Conclusion
Although more research into the effects of RF radiation is being
undertaken to answer unresolved questions, there is no convincing
evidence that prolonged exposure to very low levels of RF radiation
causes any adverse health effects.
For further information please contact the Radiation Protection
division.
Further web reading
The Australian Radiation Protection Standard
www.arpansa.gov.au/rps_pubs.htm
The report of the UK's Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones
www.iegmp.org.uk/report/index.htm
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This page was last modified 11-03-2008
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