Mobile phones use radio frequency (RF) fields to send and receive calls, texts, emails, pictures, web, TV and downloads via the nearest base station (these are often called masts or antennas, as these are the most visible parts of the base station). Many other everyday items also use RF fields to send and receive information, such as televisions, radios and walkie talkies.
A large number of base stations are needed to allow more people to use mobiles phones, from more locations. When a mobile phone is used, the body absorbs some of the RF field and some scientists have suggested that this might be harmful.
The International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has issued guidelines on levels of exposure to RF fields, including that from mobile phones and base stations. These guidelines have a safety margin built into them. All our mobile phones and base stations comply with these guidelines. In fact, people’s exposure to RF fields from our base stations is typically hundreds, if not thousands of times below the guideline limit. We require mobile phone manufacturers to test that all the phones we sell meet the guidelines.
There have been thousands of scientific studies into the effects of RF on health. There is no evidence to convince experts that exposure below the guidelines set by ICNIRP carries any health risks, for adults or children. But there are still some gaps in scientific knowledge, and more research is being carried out to fill these. Priority areas for research are set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). We contribute funds to independent research into these areas.
If you would personally like to, the WHO suggests some things you can do to reduce your exposure, such as keeping calls short and wearing an earpiece or using Bluetooth to keep your mobile phone away from your head and body.
We refer to mobiles phones throughout this section of our website, but the information applies equally to other wireless items such as wireless-enabled computers and handheld email devices.
It is difficult to explain the issues surrounding mobile phones, masts and health without using some technical terms. We have produced a glossary to explain what these mean.