Research programmes
Today’s scientific opinion states that, to date, there is no convincing evidence of a health risk from using mobile phones. We draw on strict codes of practice and expert advice to formulate policy and to guide our actions. But like most areas of scientific interest, research into the alleged health effects of mobile phones is ongoing - and no one can provide all the answers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies believe there may still be gaps in our knowledge. We take this seriously. We support the ‘precautionary approach’ recommended by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones’ Stewart Report (2000). We also support current, independent, research programmes with data and funding.
We are determined to provide the safest possible products and network - and to work openly and in consultation with our customers and the communities we touch.
We only fund research programmes that meet these criteria:
- Managed in a way which ensures they are independent of industry influence.
- Studies to be submitted for peer-review by the researchers.
- Studies assessed to of good quality by the programme management organisation.
- Studies to be expertly conducted.
- Reports intended to be published in reputable journals.
Mobile telephony is subject to rigorous ongoing research. And we are helping to fund and/or provide support to several significant programmes. More information about our research funding can be found in our Corporate Responsibility Report, or read the latest research programmes from around the world below.
What the experts say:
'The balance of evidence to date suggests that exposures to RF radiation below NRPB and ICNIRP guidelines do not cause adverse health effects to the general population.' The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones: May 2000
‘… in the UK there is a lack of hard information showing that the mobile systems in use are damaging to health. It is important to emphasise this crucial point. The main conclusions reached in the Stewart Report in 2000 still apply today … a precautionary approach should continue to be adopted.’ UK National Radiological Protection Board: January 2005
Latest research reports
UK: MTHR Interim Report - September 2007
MTHR was established in 2001 by the UK Government to co-ordinate a programme of research into the possible impact on health from mobile phone technology.
The interim findings of the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme (MTHR) were published on Wednesday 12th September 2007.
The overall conclusion of the MTHR Report is that, “None of the research supported by the Programme and published so far demonstrates that biological or adverse health effects are produced by radiofrequency exposure from mobile phones."
Further information can be found on the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme (MTHR) website.
European Commission: Possible effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on Human Health – March 2007
The SCENIHR (Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks) adopted this opinion at the 16th plenary of 21 March 2007 after public consultation
Since the adoption of the 2001 opinion extensive research has been conducted regarding possible health effects of exposure to low intensity RF fields, including epidemiologic, in vivo, and in vitro research. In conclusion, no health effect has been consistently demonstrated at exposure levels below the limits of ICNIRP (International Committee on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection) established in 1998. However, the data base for evaluation remains limited especially for long-term low-level exposure.
The report can be found on the European Commission website.
Ireland: Irish Government's Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields – March 2007
This report was compiled by a group of experts on electromagnetic fields (EMF). The Expert Group was established and funded by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
The conclusions of the Expert Group are consistent with those of similar reviews conducted by authoritative national and international agencies.
The only established adverse health effect associated with mobile phone use, (both hand-held and handsfree) is an increase in traffic accidents when they are used while driving.
RF fields act on the human body by heating tissue. Health effects from RF are limited by international guidelines on exposure limits. RF fields normally found in our environment do not produce any significant heating. While non-thermal mechanisms of action have been observed, none have been
found to have any health consequence.
So far no adverse short or long-term health effects have been found from exposure to the RF signals produced by mobile phones and base station transmitters. RF signals have not been found to cause cancer. However research is underway to investigate whether there are likely to be any subtle, noncancer effects on children and adolescents. The results of this research will need to be considered in due course.
The full Report can be found on the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources website.
Sweden: Swedish Radiation Protection Authority’s Independent Expert Group's report on Electromagnetic Fields – March 2007
This is the fourth annual report from the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority’s (SSI) Independent Expert Group (IEG) on Electromagnetic Fields and focuses on recent research on mobile phone telephony and health risks.
The current overall conclusion on mobile phone use - Recently published studies on mobile phone use and cancer risk do not change the earlier overall assessment of the available evidence from epidemiological studies. In particular an extended follow up of a cohort study from Denmark does not alter the conclusions. Currently available evidence suggests that for adult brain tumours there is no association with mobile phone use for at least up to, say, ten years of use. For longer latency the majority of the evidence also speaks against an association, but the data are still sparse. The same conclusion holds for short-term use and acoustic neuroma. However, for long-term use and acoustic neuroma there is a concern, and more information is required. A study on symptoms near base stations did see an association between exposure level and prevalence of symptoms. These results need to be replicated and better understood before conclusions can be drawn.
The full report can be found on the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority’s website.
Netherlands: Health Council of the Netherlands Electromagnetic Fields Annual Update 2006 – February 2007
This Annual Update deals with two subjects: UMTS (3G) and DECT (digital cordless phones). Previous Annual Updates were published in May 2001, January 2004 and November 2005.
The report concludes that experimental studies do not show effects with short-term exposure.
Only indirect data is available on long-term exposure. Although research has been performed into the occurrence of such diseases as cancer in relation to prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields, exposure to UMTS signals has not been addressed. This type of research is only possible if exposure has taken place over a prolonged period and the UMTS technology has been in place only for a relatively short period of time. Until more time has elapsed, we must rely on information about long-term effects from research on exposure to other sources, such as radio and television transmitters. In the 2005 Annual Update, the Health Council provided a comprehensive overview of that research and concluded that at the basis of current scientific knowledge no long-term effects can be identified as a result of prolonged exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. There is no reason to suppose that the situation is any different with regard to UMTS.
The report can be found on the Health Council's website. (English version begins on page 53)
