Company Name and page strapline

Sustainablity

Mobile devices and health

The World Health Organization (WHO) concludes that the thousands of scientific studies carried out do not confirm that exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile devices has any adverse health effects. Based on an in-depth review of the thousands of studies carried out to date, they do not believe that using a mobile device can cause brain tumours, other forms of cancer or other health problems in humans. Read the WHO conclusions and recommendations on the use of mobile devices.

Evidence
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 phones. The study concluded that overall no increase in risk of glioma or meningioma (tumours of the head) was observed with the use of mobile phones. While researchers reported that there were suggestions that there may be an increased risk of glioma at the highest exposure levels, they discussed the limitations in the study that prevent a causal interpretation. IARC recommends further investigation into long-term heavy use of mobile devices. International studies into such long term use and use by children are already underway, as the WHO has already identified these as priorities.

The overall findings are consistent with expert reviews of the large body of existing research. More than 30 authoritative expert reviews over the last eight years, including work by the World Health Organization, have found no adverse health effects from using mobile devices operating within international safety guidelines.

Ensuring safety
ICNIRP has issued guidelines to limit the level of exposure to RF fields, including that from mobile devices. These are based on published scientific findings and include a safety margin. Exposure is measured using the specific absorption rate (SAR) – the amount of energy from an RF field absorbed by the human body.

All the mobile devices that we sell via the Vodafone supply chain comply with the ICNIRP guidelines, which recommend a maximum SAR value and other appropriate national and international standards. We require manufacturers to test that this is the case. The maximum SAR value is available for all new mobile devices. However, estimating the actual exposure from a mobile device when it is being used is a complex business, and buying a mobile device with a lower maximum SAR value does not guarantee reduced exposure. The value provided is based on the maximum possible exposure from the mobile device. Actual exposure when using the mobile device is often lower, depending on a number of factors including:

	•	The distance between the person and the mobile device
	•	The transmitted power level and operating frequency at a given time (see How do mobile devices work?)
	•	The service the mobile device is being used for (e.g. texting, data or calls).

See Base stations and health for more information.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) cancer hazard assessment 31 May 2011

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RF as “possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.” http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf . The full findings will be published in 2012.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Jack Rowley, GSM Association Director for Research and Sustainability said “The IARC classification suggests that a hazard is possible but not likely.” http://www.gsmworld.com/newsroom/press-releases/2011/6261.htm

To understand the potential level of risk, the IARC classification will be part of a wider health risk assessment undertaken by the WHO. Based on this assessment the WHO, governments and public health authorities will decide what advice and guidance, if any, is appropriate.

The latest WHO fact sheet published in May 2010, concluded that to-date no adverse health effects had been established for mobile phone use. See http://www.vodafone.com/content/index/about/sustainability/mpmh/scientific_research/who_advice.html

We recognise that people may be concerned by this classification and we will continue to offer advice on how they can limit their exposure.

For further information on IARC classification please visit:

IARC Explained
http://www.emfexplained.info/?ID=25717

IARC monographs
http://monographs.iarc.fr/

This page uses JavaScript. Your browser either doesn't support JavaScript or you have it turned off. This page remains functional without JavaScript, however, to see and use this page as it is meant to appear and be used, please use a JavaScript enabled browser.