Health & Environment - Frequently Asked Questions

1. I've read that mobile phones can cause cancer. Is this true?
There is no convincing scientific evidence that the use of mobile phones can cause brain tumours or other cancers in humans. It is the consensus of the world wide scientific community that the low powered radio signals produced by a mobile phone do not have sufficient intrinsic energy to affect genetic material.

2. What about other health risks?
Independent scientific institutions around the world review relevant research as it is published. The consensus of these expert groups is that there is no demonstrable evidence of a risk to human health from mobile phone use. The GSMA however, continues to support international quality research into this question.

3. How can we be sure that this research is accurate?
Sophisticated and sensitive research methods using well-tried models for assessing health risks from other agents have been applied to investigate the safety of mobile phones. Many research institutions and the safety standards and guidelines according to which such research is conducted, are controlled by government and independent bodies around the world. Research results are continually reviewed at an international level by organisations such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

4. I live close to a base station. Am I at risk?
Where members of the public have access to the area around a base station the radio signal levels are typically much lower than even the most stringent internationally adopted safety guidelines. It is only in areas close to the antennas that the recommended limits may be exceeded. The network operator will take steps to prevent public access to these areas by placing the antennas near the top of the mast or high on a building.

GSM base stations operate with low radio signal powers to reduce interference to nearby sites that could affect call quality. For the typical GSM base station that is mounted on a building or a pole the typical maximum signal strength in publicly accessible areas will be less than 1% of most national RF exposure standards. In many cases, the GSM signal strength will be comparable to existing broadcast radio and TV services.

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5. My friend wears a hearing aid - can he use a mobile phone?
Most new models of hearing aids are immune to radio frequency interference from GSM phones that are more than 2 metres away. Some are also immune to interference when the phone is brought up to the same ear as the hearing aid. The result depends on the level of immunity designed into the hearing aid, the nature of the hearing loss and the type of mobile phone. Unfortunately many types of older hearing aids may be susceptible to interference making it very difficult to use a mobile phone. Should interference be experienced, there are several things that can be done which may improve the situation:

• If possible use the mobile phone at the non aided ear;
• Use a different, more immune hearing aid;
• Use a hands free accessory. Different accessories can be coupled to the hearing aid by either using the Microphone or T-Coil position.
• Vibrating batteries are also available.

The GSMA has produced further information in conjunction with the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) to answer questions in more detail regarding this issue. More info

6. Why are there so many restrictions on using mobile phones in hospitals?
At short range, the radio signal from a mobile phone may cause interference with electronic medical devices. At distances greater than 2m the possibility is substantially reduced. It is possible for mobile phones to be used in designated areas of hospitals, however, you should obey any warning signs and the instructions of hospital staff. If you use electrical medical equipment in your home, we recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor or equipment supplier.

7. Will my pacemaker be affected by the signal from a mobile phone?
Brands and models of cardiac pacemakers exhibit a wide range of immunity levels to GSM and other types of radio signals. Therefore, people who wear cardiac pacemakers and who want to use a GSM phone should seek the advice of their cardiologist. If, as a pacemaker user, you are still concerned about interaction with mobile phones, it has been suggested by national health authorities that you:

• maintain a 15 cm (6 inch) separation between the phone and your pacemaker;
• do not hold your phone to your chest, e.g. don't carry the phone in a breast pocket;
• refer to your pacemaker product literature for information on your particular device; and
• refer to your phone product literature for the technical parameters of your phone.

8. My car has an on-board computer. If I make calls whilst driving, will my phone disrupt the computer?
Tests conducted by vehicle manufacturers show no interference effects on airbags, automatic braking or cruise control systems during normal phone use, despite some media reports to the contrary. It is possible that a mobile phone could cause an interference with vehicle audio and remote locking systems, but only if held close to the devices.
You should remember that care needs to be taken - and in some countries it is against the law - to use a hand-held mobile whilst driving a vehicle. A professionally installed hands-free kit is recommended. It is also recommended that you pull over if the call is likely to be long, stressful or complex. Safe driving should be the highest priority.

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9. Why can't I use my mobile phone when I fly?
It is standard practice on aircraft to turn off all types of radio transmitters and certain other electrical devices unless they have been demonstrated not to cause interference to aircraft systems. There have been recent successful trials of mobile phone use on aircraft in Europe and the USA, however, there are technical and regulatory issues to be resolved before commercial operations are possible. One current concern is that when airborne the radio signals from mobile phones could travel for hundreds of kilometers, which could interfere with the operation of ground based mobile networks. The GSM Association recommends that you obey airline instructions regarding the use of electronic devices. See also the related position paper for more information.

10. Why are there so many restrictions on using mobile phones in hospitals?
At short range, the radio signal from a mobile phone may cause interference with electronic medical devices. At distances greater than 2m the possibility is substantially reduced. It is possible for mobile phones to be used in designated areas of hospitals, however, you should obey any warning signs and the instructions of hospital staff. If you use electrical medical equipment in your home, we recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor or equipment supplier.

11. What about mobile phone use while driving?
Driving safely is of paramount importance to everyone on today's busy roads, and mobile phones should be used responsibly while on the move. The industry has developed a wide range of equipment and features to help you do this and the use of a professionally installed car-kit is recommended. (Note: it is an offence in many countries to hold a mobile phone to the head while driving.) However, the GSM Association advises that it may be sensible to pull over during difficult traffic conditions or when calls are likely to be long, complex or emotional. The GSM Association advises drivers at all times to obey the national laws of the country in which they are travelling.

12. I've heard reports of mobile phones causing explosions at petrol stations, is this true?
The GSM Association is unaware of any established link between radio signals from mobile phones or base stations and petrol station fires. In fact, a 2005 report for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded that of 243 reported incidents around the world none was associated with telecommunication equipment, instead, many of the fires were ignited by the discharge of static electricity from the human body.

A seminar by the UK Institute of Petroleum concluded that mobile phones presented a negligible risk. There may be more tangible hazards associated with the distraction of using a mobile phone while operating a petrol pump. Therefore, the GSM Association recommends that mobile phone users respect the prohibitions of the fuel companies, and follow any relevant advice given in their mobile phone user guides. See also the related position paper for more information.

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13. What are the safety standards that apply to mobile phones and base stations?
There are a number of national and international standards bodies that have developed safety standards that apply to mobile phones and base stations. These committees are usually composed of persons with expertise in key areas and representatives of major stakeholder groups. For specific information you should contact the telecommunications regulator in your country.

The majority of Western standards are quite similar in their basic approach to limit setting, in that by reviewing available research they determine the threshold dose for an established biological hazard and then incorporate safety factors to define the allowable level. The safety factors are intended to account for uncertainty in establishing the threshold level.

The radio safety standards applied in some former east European countries take a different approach to setting of allowable levels and in many cases appear substantially more conservative than western standards. However, the rationale for such standards is less well documented and with the political changes in Eastern Europe some of these countries have adopted Western guidelines.

Under the umbrella of the World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project efforts are being made to achieve standards harmonisation between east European and Western standards.

Download the following flyer on the compliance of handsets as a PDF file: Understanding SAR (PDF, 44kb)

14. How do we know that 3G and the other new radio technologies are safe?
There is a large body of existing scientific research at frequencies above and below those for 3G services, and a growing body of science using these particular signals. Expert groups have not established any signal or modulation specific effects, so the scientific consensus is that compliance with current safety standards provides protection against all known health effects. The Australian Communications Authority states that the average power from a 3G base station is a little more than one tenth of the power of a taxi's two-way radio. In addition, 3G handsets continually adjust their power levels to the lowest level necessary to maintain adequate call quality.

15. There were recent media reports of a mobile phone attracting lightning, is this possible?
The GSMA is not aware of any scientific evidence to indicate that mobile phone use is not safe during lightning. Somebody who is outside increases their risk of being struck if they are on high ground, in an open space, near water or near large metallic structures or trees. If you are outside, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle with the windows completely shut. If this is not possible, you should follow the instructions of responsible safety organisations.

16. Is it safe for my child to use a mobile phone?
The current World Health Organization view is that international safety guidelines protect everyone in the population with a large safety factor. In addition, in February 2004 the Health Council of the Netherlands stated it sees no reason for recommending limiting the use of mobile phones by children. Mobile phones do provide important safety benefits to children who can use them in times of distress or emergency situations. However, mobile phones are not toys, and the GSM Association encourages parental supervision in the selection and use of mobile communication technologies for children.

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17. Can texting or playing games on a mobile phone cause RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is used as an umbrella term to refer to various kinds of injuries to muscles, tendons or nerves caused by repetitive movement of a part of the body. It has not been medically established that texting and playing games on a mobile phone can cause RSI. If you are concerned, we recommend that when using a mobile phone for texting or playing games:

• Do not grip the phone tightly
• Press the buttons lightly
• Try to use both hands to spread the load
• Keep your hands close to your body when holding the phone
• Hold the phone up in front of you to reduce flexing of the neck
• Make use of the special features in the handset which minimise the number of buttons which have to be pressed, such as message templates and predictive text
• Take lots of breaks to stretch and relax

If you experience symptoms such as persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning sensation, stiffness, promptly see a qualified health professional. Further information on RSI is available from NHS Direct and the UK Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has issued tips for persons texting or playing games.

18. I've read stories claiming that mobile phones can effect male fertility and sperm quality, is this true?
Some preliminary scientific studies have reported a link, however, these studies have generally not properly accounted for lifestyle factors, for example, diet, smoking, etc. The consensus view of expert public health bodies, including the WHO, is that there are no adverse health effects associated with the radio signals used by mobile phones or base stations.

19. How is the industry responding to the issue of Coltan Mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)?
The topic remains complicated, mainly because of continuing violence and civil unrest in the DRC. Finding a solution to the situation requires the agreement and action of many other organisations such as the DRC Government, rebel factions, the United Nations, and others.

The Global e-Sustainability Initiative, a partnership of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies supported by the United Nations Environment Programme and International Telecommunication Union, has supported research on the issue. Conducted by Fauna and Flora International, this research recommended that key stakeholders, including the wide range of industries that use Coltan-derived tantalum, work towards a regulated coltan mining industry in the DRC. Because the DRC benefits from the income mining can provide, GeSI continues to work with FFI and the Government to see how mining operations can be done in a way that helps people without harming wildlife.

The Coltan report and additional information on GeSI are available on the GeSI website.

20. Do mobile communications base stations affect birds?
In April 2007 a spokesperson for the British Trust for Ornithology was quoted as saying: "I can't think of any reason mobile phone masts would affect them [birds]." The WHO has examined whether there are effects of animals and plants from environmental radio signals and concluded:

'...The limited number of published studies addressing the risk of EMF to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems show little or no evidence of a significant environmental impact, except for some effects near very strong sources. From current information the exposure limits in the ICNIRP [International] guidelines for protection of human health are also protective of the environment.'

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21. I've read that mobile phones are causing the collapse of bee colonies, is this true?
Media reports in April 2007 claimed that a small German study reporting effects on bee behaviour when a digital cordless phone was placed near hives, was an indication that mobile communications might be a possible cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD is being studied by a working group of the Mid Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium (MAAREC). A FAQ produced by the working group and dated 9 March 2007 lists base stations as one cause that is not currently being investigated.>

The United States Department of Agriculture says that there is no link between mobile phones and CCD. They also quote Stefan Kimmel, the researcher who conducted the German study as saying that there is "no link between our tiny little study and the CCD-phenomenon ... anything else said or written is a lie." Many of the media reports included a statement attributed to Albert Einstein but it is uncertain whether he made the statement. In addition, a 1981 study of bees exposed to 2450MHz signals at much higher powers found no effect on bee behaviour. The WHO Information sheet Effects of EMF on the Environment concludes that from current information the exposure limits in international guidelines for protection of human health are also protective of the environment.

22. Should I be concerned about the wireless network in my office or at my child's school?
The UK Health Protection Agency advises that on the basis of current scientific information WiFi equipment satisfies international guidelines and, therefore, there is no reason why schools and others should not use WiFi equipment.

In addition, the WHO concluded in May 2006 that '...there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.' If you want to know more, the WiFiAlliance and the Health Physics Society have produced specific information on this topic. In May 2007, the Panorama program made a number of allegations about the safety of WiFi . However, in November 2007 the BBC Editorial Complaints Unit ruled that the program '...gave a misleading impression of the state of scientific opinion on the issue.'

23. Can long term use of a mobile phone affect hearing?
There have been some preliminary research reports suggesting a link between the use of mobile phones and personal stereos and effects on hearing, however, these preliminary findings have not yet been confirmed. The National Hearing Conservation Association advises that damage to hearing can result from exposure to brief bursts of loud noise or continuous exposure to high-volume sound.

The risk of hearing loss increases as sound is played louder and for longer durations. Mobile phone users can limit the risk of hearing damage by keeping the handset volume down, avoiding prolonged, continuous listening and making calls away from background noise.

24. Can mobile phones carry bacteria in hospital environments?
Studies have identified that mobile phones and other common items, such as clothes, stethoscopes, neck ties, pens and jewellery, worn and used by doctors can carry bacteria. While the main contribution to transmission of infection is inadequate hand hygiene, the Board of Science of the British Medical Association recommends that healthcare professionals should wear clothes that minimise the spread of infection; refrain from wearing functionless clothing items (such as neck ties) and, where possible, change clothes when leaving the clinical setting. Similar cautions could be applied to mobile phones carried by healthcare professionals.

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25. Some scientists and the Bioitiative report (2007) claim that there are risks from exposures to mobile phone and base station radio signals and that current safety standards are inadequate. What do you say to that?
The GSMA understands that people may be concerned by such claims, however, they are based on selective reviews of existing research and do not present a balanced analysis considering the relative scientific quality of different studies. Specifically, the Bioinitiative report was criticised for this by the Danish government Sundhedsstyrelsens (National Board of Health).

There have been many independent scientific and public health authority reviews and the consensus position, as summarised by the World Health Organization, is that current international recommendations incorporate large safety factors and are protective of all persons.

26. Is there any truth in the stories that radio signals from mobile phone and WiFi are linked to autism?
The consensus of many expert reviews is that there are no health risks from exposures to radio signals up to the WHO recommended international guidelines. In November 2007, a paper published in the journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine claimed a link between autism and electromagnetic fields. The GSMA is concerned that this paper could cause unnecessary alarm to the parents of autistic children. The study is poorly described, has no control group and makes claims on causes of autism and actions of radio signals that have been rejected by health groups around the world.

27. Are there safety benefits to using shields, special batteries of other add on devices for mobile phones?
Mobile phones are designed to comply with scientifically based safety standards. However, add-on products are being marketed which claim to make phones 'safer.' The US Federal Trade Commission cautions that '...there is no scientific proof that the so-called shields significantly reduce exposure from electromagnetic emissions...' and it has successfully challenged a number of promoters of such products.

Batteries and other devices are also being promoted that claim to produce a 'noise field' that will 'neutralise' potential harmful effects of mobile phone signals. The scientific basis of those claims is not accepted by the consensus of scientific opinion. In addition, related studies were not confirmed by independent European laboratories. In August 2007 the UK Advertising Standards Authority upheld complaints against company that sells cosmetics for marketing claims that electromagnetic waves could damage the skin and making undue appeal to consumers fear of harm.

The current WHO advice is that:
'Present scientific information does not indicate the need for any special precautions for use of mobile phones. If individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children's' RF exposure by limiting the length of calls, or using "hands-free" devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body.'

See also the GSMA paper Mobile Phone Shields and Patents (pdf).