23

Radiation,Mobile Phones,

Base Stations andYour Health

Ng Kwan-Hoong, Ph.D.

i

Many of us in Malaysia use mobile phones to communicatewith one another at work, at home or for conveniencefrom just about anywhere we are! Mobile phones havebecome very much a part of our way of life.

There are, however, some of us who are concerned aboutthe health and safety effects related to the use of mobilephones and on transmission from base stations.

It is with this in mind that Radiation, Mobile Phones,Base Stations and Your Health attempts to makeradiation from mobile phones system moreunderstandable and also to separate myth from fact.

Find out in this book...

❖ What is radiation?

❖ Is natural radiation dangerous?

❖ Are there any health risks if you live or work near abase station?

❖ What are the effects of RF radiation?

❖ What is Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)?

❖ Can I get cancer and other related illness from usingmobile phones?

❖ Does Malaysia have safety standards and guidelinesfor mobile phone base stations?

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Publishing Consultant : Tam Lye Suan, Millennia CommsCover Design : On-Spot Communications

Text Illustrations : YH ChengTypesetting : Ferlycia Wong

Text © 2003, 2005 Ng Kwan Hoong

September 2003 and February 2005 edition published forMalaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by anymeans, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording orotherwise, without the prior permission of the text copyrightowner and publisher.

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Ng, Kwan-HoongRadiation, mobile phones, base stations and your health/NgKwan-HoongISBN 983-40889-0-91. Cellular telephones — Health aspects 2. Health Care I. Title.384.535

ISBN 983-40889-0-9Printed by Gains Print Sdn. Bhd.

iii

Contents

Acknowledgements vForeword viIntroduction viiiEight Myths About Mobile Phones and Base Stations x

Frequently Asked Questions❖ Why is there a great concern on the health

effects of a mobile phone system? 1

❖ What is radiation? 1

❖ How does radiation behave? 3

❖ Is natural radiation dangerous? 3

❖ What is electromagnetic field (EMF)? 4

❖ What is radiofrequency (RF)? 5

❖ What is a mobile phone? Does it emitlarge quantities of RF radiation? 6

❖ Besides the RF radiation from a mobilephone system, are there any otherRF sources that I am exposed to? 6

❖ What are mobile phone base stations andhow do they work? 7

❖ Are there health risks associated withliving or working near a base station? 8

❖ How safe are the base stations? 8

❖ Is there a scientific basis for these RFradiation safety standards? 9

❖ Does Malaysia have safety standards andguidelines for mobile phone base stations? 9

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❖ Do mobile phone base station antennasmeet the safety standards? 9

❖ What can the consumers do to influencethe siting of base stations? 10

❖ What are the international organizationsdoing regarding the health effects ofRF radiation? 10

❖ What are the findings of recent reviewsfrom some of these internationalorganizations? 11

❖ What is the present position of theMalaysian government agencies? 13

❖ What are the effects of RF radiation? 13

❖ How safe is the mobile phone system?Can it cause cancer and other illnesses? 14

❖ What is Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)?How can I use it? 14

❖ Where can I obtain SAR value for mymobile phone? 15

❖ What steps can I take to reduce myexposure to RF radiation from mymobile phone? 15

❖ Will the Third Generation (3G) mobilesystems pose greater health hazards to users 16

❖ What is the Precautionary Principle advocatedby the World Health Organization? 16

❖ What is the advice for children usingmobile phones? 17

❖ So why is anyone still worried? 18

❖ Where can I get more information? 20

Additional Information / Links 21

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The author wishes to acknowledge the indispensableassistance of the project team and a host of many othersfor their invaluable comments, advice and support withoutwhom, this work would not have been possible. Inparticular, he is grateful to:

Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Datu’ Dr Mohamad Taha bin Arif, FormerDirector-General, Malaysian Ministry of Health.

Mr Mohd. Yusof Ali, Senior Research Officer and Manager,Non-ionizing Radiation Unit, Malaysian Institute forNuclear Technology Research (MINT).

Dr David J. Dowsett, Consultant Medical Physicist, Dublin,Ireland.

Dr Andrew W. Wood, Temporary WHO Consultant,Associate Professor in Biophysics, School of BiophysicalSciences & Electrical Engineering, Swinburne Universityof Technology, Australia.

Dr T. E. Van Deventer, Scientist, Radiation & EnvironmentalHealth, Protection of the Human Environment, WorldHealth Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

Acknowledgements

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Foreword by

Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Datu’ Dr Mohamad Taha bin ArifFormer Director-General, Ministry of Health

First and foremost, I wish to extend my heartiestcongratulations to Professor Ng Kwan Hoong for hiscommendable efforts in producing this highly informativepublication entitled Radiation, Mobile Phones, BaseStations and Your Health. This timely publication doesnot only provide general background information on thehealth effects from mobile phones and base stations butalso helps to alleviate anxiety of the general public.

With the technology rapidly advancing, mobile phoneusers and people living within close range of the mobilephone base stations have become increasingly concernedover the potential harmful effects of radiofrequencyradiation produced by these devices to their health.

The Ministry of Health has always been striving to play aneffective role as the guardian of public health. In 1996,the Ministry appointed an interagency scientificcommittee to study and produce a report on the healtheffects of electromagnetic fields (EMF). This committeeconcluded that there is no conclusive evidence to indicatethat EMF exposures at levels normally encountered willcause harmful health effects. The above is also the findingsof the world scientific and medical community. Thiscommittee still monitors the current research worldwideand reports to the Ministry of Health periodically.

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Nevertheless, there continues to be a great deal ofmisunderstanding and misinformation on the issue ofsafety and radiation. I am therefore very pleased that thisbook endeavours to promote a better understanding ofwhat is known and not known about radiofrequencyradiation, as well as to separate the myths from the facts.

Once again, I applaud Prof. Ng on his efforts and hiscontinuing contribution towards promoting betterunderstanding of radiation, in particular, its use in themedical field.

Thank you.

TAN SRI DATU’ DR MOHAMAD TAHA BIN ARIF

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Introduct ion

The telecommunications industry is experiencing a robustgrowth on a global scale. By the year 2005, the industrypredicts that there will be as many as 1.6 billion mobilephone subscribers worldwide. Since the introduction ofmobile phones in the mid-1980s, there has been asignificant increase in the number of mobile phone usersand installations of base stations. As of 2004, statistics fromthe Malaysian Communications and MultimediaCommission (MCMC), show that the mobile phonepenetration rate is 55.9 persons per 100 population or14.4s million subscribers.

Mobile phones, sometimes known as cellular phones orhandsets, form an integral part of modern tele-communications and are fast becoming a social lifestyle.In some parts of the world, they are the most reliable orthe only phones available. In others, mobile phones arevery popular because they allow people to maintainconstant and continuous communication withouthampering their freedom of movement.

How does a mobile phone system work? The individualmobile phone operates by communicating with a fixedinstallation known as a base station or a tele-communications structure. Since the mobile phone andits base station is a two-way radio, they produceradiofrequency (RF) radiation as a means ofcommunicating and expose the people near them to RFradiation.

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The wide use of mobile phones has inevitably raised thequestion of whether there are any implications for humanhealth. There have been some reports relating to possibleadverse health effects and these have understandably ledto some concern from the members of the public.

In Radiation, Mobile Phones, Base Stations and YourHealth, issues regarding human health effects from mobilephones and their base station antennas are addressed anddiscussed in the Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ) manner.While some of the issues discussed are international,however, general issues of technical and regulatory aspectsof this FAQ, are specific to Malaysia.

Our perception about radiation and health shapes ouractions concerning it and our actions influence the futureof important services and functions. It is with this in mindthat this book attempts to make radiation from mobilephone system more understandable to the members ofpublic and to try to separate the myths from facts.

For now, we can conclude that there is no consistent andconvincing scientific evidence of adverse health effectscaused by RF radiation. Meanwhile, further ongoingresearch based on established scientific methods willcontinue to shed light on our understanding of thisimportant health issue.

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Eight Myths About Mobile Phonesand Base Stations

MYTH FACT

• Mobile phones cause • Despite individual cases, there isbrain cancers - look at no scientific evidence that brainall those people who cancers are caused by mobileused mobile phones phone use.and are ill.

• Mobile phones are so • Mobile phones typically have anpowerful that they output of less than 1 watt that maycan damage your increase the temperature of thebrain. brain by fractions of a degree, less

than normal exercise.

• You are safer using a • Mobile phones automaticallymobile phone in a car increase their input in a car tobecause it shields you overcome the shielding.from the radiation.

• Using mobile phones • You are four times more likely toin a car does not affect have an accident crash because ofyour driving skills. divided attention, and it is similar

to drunk-driving.

• It is the base stations • At the ground level, the intensitythat are really of radiofrequency radiation fromdangerous. base stations are less than one

thousandth of those from mobilephones and are generally muchless than those from the local radioand television stations.

• The cases of brain • There is no evidence of a risecancer are increasing among young people – anyas more people use increase will be among people inmobile phones. their 70s.

• Using a mobile phone • People get headache withoutgives you headache. using mobile phones, too – there

is no evidence of a direct link.

• Nobody is really • The World Health Organizationinvestigating the and some government agencieshealth effects. are coordinating scientific studies

to investigate these health effects.

1

Why is there a great concern on the healtheffects of a mobile phone system?

Millions of people around the world use mobile phonesas a communication tool everyday. Base stations ortelecommunication towers are continuously beingerected. Because of this, scientists worldwide areconcerned about the potential health risks associatedwith the use of this device. Even small adverse effects onhealth could have major public health implications.Moreover, radiofrequency is an abstract subject and is noteasily understood by people. The term ‘radiation’ oftenconjures fear and scare. A tremendous amount of publicitygenerated in the mass media has also caused great concernamong members of the public.

What is radiation?

Radiation is a form of energy on the move. Radiation iselectromagnetic in nature, i.e., it consists of waves ofelectric and magnetic energy moving together throughspace at the speed of light. We live in a radiation worldand are exposed to both natural and man-made radiation.Every second of our life, we are exposed to all forms ofradiation such as ultraviolet light from the sun and radiowaves from radio and television broadcasts. When we gofor a chest x-ray examination, we are exposed to x-rays.

There are two types of radiation:◆ Ionizing radiation

It contains enough energy to cause ionization.Ionization is a process by which electrons are strippedfrom atoms and molecules. Its interaction with mattercan change chemical reactions in the body that leadsto damage in biological tissues including effects on

Frequently Asked Questions

2

Fig. 1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

800 MHz - 2 GHz

100 MHz

15-30 kHzand 50-90 Hz

50 Hz

Very lowfrequency (VLF)3000-30.000 Hz

Extremely lowfrequency (ELF)

3-3000 Hz

Direct Current

X-rays

Ioni

zing

Rad

iatio

nN

on-io

nizi

ng R

adia

tion10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

0

22

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

50Hz

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

Source Frequency in hertz (Hz)

Gamma rays

Ultravioletradiation

Visiblelight

Infraredradiation

Microwaves

Radiowaves

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) – the genetic material.Gamma rays and x-rays are two forms of ionizingradiation.

◆ Non-ionizing radiation (NIR)It does not have sufficient energy to cause ionizationin living matter. It causes some heating effect, butusually not enough to cause any kind of long-termdamage to tissues. Radiofrequency energy, visible lightand microwave radiation are considered non-ionizing.

3

For the same strength, ionizing radiation is morecapable of causing health effects than non-ionizingradiation due to the ionization process.

How does radiation behave?

Radiation behaves in the same manner as light. It travelsin a straight line and when it collides with an object, itcan do three things — it can pass right through(transmission), it can bounce off (reflection), and it canbe absorbed. It readily reduces its energy as it moves awayfrom its source where radiation is produced. This meansthat a person will receive less exposure if he/she staysindoors compared to staying outside or keep a distancecompared to standing close to the source.

Is natural radiation dangerous?

We are being continuously exposed to many sources ofnatural radiation. Of these sources, the sun is the mostfamiliar to us as it produces infrared radiation, visible light,and ultraviolet light. The other sources are cosmicradiation that consists of high energy particles and raysthat originate from outside our earth, terrestrial radiationthat comes from naturally occurring radioactive materialsin the earth’s crust, and internal radiation fromradioactivity that is naturally present in our bodies.

Of these, only the ultraviolet light from the sun can beconsidered ‘dangerous’. Over-exposure to the sun’sultraviolet light can cause premature aging of the skinand cause sunburn, which has been linked to skin cancer.Although the nature of cosmic, terrestrial, and internalradiation is inherently hazardous and can cause cancer,these sources are not normally dangerous to us as the

4

Frequency

Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)1 Hz = 1 cycle per second

kHz = kilohertz = 1000 HzMHz = megahertz = 1000 000 HzGHz = gigahertz = 1000 000 000 Hz

Example:Source: Frequency:Power line 50 HzMobile phone 900 MHz

1 cycle

levels present naturally are sufficiently low that the risk isnegligible.

What is electromagnetic field (EMF)?

Electromagnetic radiation consists of waves of electric andmagnetic energy moving together through space at thespeed of light. Often the term ‘electromagnetic field’ orEMF is used to indicate the presence of electromagneticradiation.

Different forms of electromagnetic radiation are classifiedby their frequencies. The term EMF is generally used tocover fields in the frequency range below 300 gigahertz(GHz), where giga refers to a thousand million. EMFincludes electric and magnetic fields from the electricitysupply at power frequencies (50 Hz in Malaysia), and radiowaves from TV, radio and mobile phones, radar andsatellite communications. Many home devices alsotransmit EMF such as cordless phones and radio-controlledtoys.

5

Fig. 2 Exposure to radiofrequency radiation in everyday life.

What is radiofrequency (RF)?

A radio signal can be thought of as a wave that spreadsout from its source (the antenna). It is often referred toas an electromagnetic wave that is made up of linkedelectric and magnetic components. The radiofrequency(RF) part of the electromagnetic spectrum includeselectromagnetic waves produced by television and radiotransmitters (including base stations) and microwaves.The electric and magnetic components that formthe electromagnetic wave can be referred to asradiofrequency fields.

When the announcer of a radio station says, ‘You arelistening to 95.8 FM’ what the announcer means is thatyou are listening to a radio station broadcasting a FM radiosignal at a frequency of 95.8 megahertz.

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Fig. 3 Radiation ina mobile phone isgenerated in thetransmitter andemitted throughthe antenna.

Antenna

Transmitter

What is a mobile phone? Does it emit largequantities of RF radiation?

A mobile or cellular phone is alow-power, single-channel, two-way radio. It contains both atransmitter and a receiver. Itemits RF radiation to transmitinformation to the base station.It also acts like a receiver ofinformation, in a similar manneras a transistor radio. The handsetbattery limits the power of trans-mitted radiation, which is similar,if not smaller than, that of atorchlight. The radiation emittedby the antenna is insufficient tocause any significant heating oftissues in the ear or head,although a rise in skin tem-perature may occur as a result ofplacing the mobile phone too close against the ear or headthus restricting the airflow.

Besides the RF radiation from a mobile phonesystem, are there any other RF sources that I amexposed to?

Yes. You are exposed to RF radiation originating frompaging and other communications antennas such as thoseused by the fire, police and emergency services, thatoperate at similar power levels as base stations, and oftenat a similar frequency. In many urban areas, television andradio broadcast antennas commonly transmit higher RFradiation levels than the mobile phone base stations.

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Fig. 4(a) & (b) Mobile phone base stations

(a) A Transmission Tower (b) A Roof top Structure

What are mobile phone base stations andhow do they work?

Mobile phone base stations are also known as basetransceiver stations or telecommunications structures.They are low-power, multi-channel two-way radios.Antennas, which produce RF radiation, are mounted oneither transmission towers or roof-mounted structures.These structures need to be of a certain height in orderto have a wider coverage. When you communicate on amobile phone, you are connected to a nearby base station.From that base station your phone call goes into theregular fixed-line phone system.

As the mobile phones and their base stations are two-way radios, they produce RF radiation to communicateand therefore expose the people near them to RFradiation. However, as both the phones and the basestations have low-power (short range) transmitters in them,the RF radiation exposure levels are generally very low.

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Are there health risks associated with livingor working near a base station?

The consensus of the international scientific communityis that the power from these mobile phone base stationantennas is far too low to produce health risks as long aspeople are kept away from direct contact with theantennas.

You have to know the difference between antennas andtowers. It is the antennas that you need to keep yourdistance from and not the towers that hold the antennas.

You also need to be aware of the many different designsof mobile phone base stations that vary widely in theirpower and characteristics, as well as their potential forexposing people to RF radiation.

How safe are the base stations?

In Malaysia, base stations are installed in compliance withthe stringent guidelines set by the MalaysianCommunications and Multimedia Commission and theMinistry of Housing and Local Government, whichconform to international standards and best practices ofsafety.

The following international agencies such as theInternational Commission on Non-Ionizing RadiationProtection (ICNIRP), the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) and the World HealthOrganization (WHO) adhere to international standards.

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Is there a scientific basis for these RFradiation safety standards?

Yes. Over the past few decades, scientists have beenresearching the biological effects of RF radiation onanimals and humans. The results were published inscientific journals and have been extensively reviewed byinternational organizations.

Does Malaysia have safety standards andguidelines for mobile phone base stations?

Yes. The Malaysian Communications and MultimediaCommission (MCMC) is currently using the guidelines onpermissible radiation levels, released by Jabatan TelekomMalaysia in August 1998, are based on internationalstandards developed to minimize the possible impact ofradiation on health. The MCMC continues to monitor thelatest safety standards recommended by worldorganizations such as the International Commission onNon-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) to ensure that the guidelinesadopted for Malaysia remain current.

Do mobile phone base station antennas meetthe safety standards?

Yes. With proper engineering design, installation andregulatory control, mobile phone base station antennascan meet all the national and international safetystandards.

The Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology Research(MINT) has measured exposures around many base stationsand found that the maximum exposures around the greatmajority of base stations are less than 1 per cent of thepublic exposure limit set by the safety standards. Exposuresseldom exceed a few percent of the limit and none havebeen above 10 per cent.

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What can the consumers do to influence thesiting of base stations?

Mobile phone service providers should comply with theguidelines and standards set by the relevant regulatorybodies. Base station sites must offer good signal coverageand be accessible for maintenance. While RF radiationlevels around base stations are not considered a healthrisk; siting decisions should take into account aestheticsand public sensibilities.

However, as consumers, you too, have a role to play. Youcan influence the decision to locate or site the base stationsin your area. Siting base stations near kindergartens,schools and playgrounds may need special consideration.One of the checklist on planning for a new base stationadvises the mobile phone service provider to consult thecommunity around the base station during the initialplanning stage for a new base station. During this phase,the community can plan to have open discussions withthe mobile phone service providers.

What are the international organizationsdoing regarding the health effects of RFradiation?

Public concern in many countries regarding mobile phonesand base stations has resulted in a number of internationaland national organizations and independent expertgroups being requested by governments to carry outdetailed reviews of the research literature.

The World Health Organization InternationalElectromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project was started in 1996.An important result of this work has been thedevelopment of a detailed agenda of research needs, thathas driven the establishment of new research programmesaround the world. It aims to harmonize the safetystandards for all countries in the world. The Project has

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also helped develop a series of public informationdocuments on EMF issues.

What are the findings of recent reviews fromsome of these international organizations?

The most recent reviews and brief quotes from theirfindings are presented below.

‘No consistent increases in health risk due toexposure to RF radiation are evident to date. Itappears that exposure of the public to RF fieldsemitted from wireless telecommunications basestations is of sufficiently low intensity thatbiological or adverse health effects are notanticipated.’

The Royal Society of Canada 1999

‘Despite the rather limited epidemiological andexperimental data available, NRPB concludes thatthe totality of the evidence available does notsuggest that the use of mobile phones have anydetrimental effect on human health. Nevertheless,there is a need for further research.’

U.K. National RadiologicalProtection Board (NRPB) 1999

‘None of the recent reviews have concluded thatexposure to the RF fields from mobile phones ortheir base stations causes any adverse healthconsequence. However, there are gaps inknowledge that have been identified for furtherresearch to better assess health risks. It will takeabout three to four years for the required RFresearch to be completed, evaluated and topublish the final results of any health risks.’

The World Health Organization (WHO) 2000

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‘The balance of evidence to date suggests thatexposures to RF radiation below ICNIRP guidelinesdo not cause adverse health effects to the generalpopulation.’

‘We conclude that the balance of evidenceindicates that there is no general risk to the healthof people living near to base stations on the basisthat exposures are expected to be small fractionsof guidelines.’

The United Kingdom IndependentExpert Group Report (also known

as the Stewart Report) 2000

‘FDA has been receiving inquiries about the safetyof mobile phones, including cellular phones andPersonal Communication Services (PCS) phones.Mobile phones emit low levels of radiofrequency(RF) energy (i.e., radiofrequency radiation) in themicrowave range. High levels of RF radiation canproduce biological damage, but it is not knownwhether lower levels of RF radiation might causeadverse health effects as well. Although someresearch has been done to address these questions,no clear picture of the biological effects of thistype of radiation has emerged to date. Thus, theavailable science does not allow us to concludethat mobile phones are absolutely safe, or thatthey are unsafe. However, the available scientificevidence does not demonstrate any adverse healtheffects associated with the use of mobile phones.’

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2001

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What is the present position of the Malaysiangovernment agencies?

In 1996, the Ministry of Health established the InteragencyAd-Hoc Scientific Committee to study the public healthissues arising from the mobile phone technology. Theconclusion reached was that there was inconclusivescientific evidence indicating that EMF exposures at levelsnormally encountered will cause harmful health effects.The above is also the findings of the world scientific andmedical community. The committee continues to monitorthe situation and advises the government periodically.

What are the effects of RF radiation?

RF radiation can cause the heating of tissues that leads toan increase in the body temperature. This is known as thethermal effect. Although the body has its effective waysof regulating its temperature, nevertheless, if the RFexposures are too high, the body may no longer be ableto cope.

There is some discussion about other effects caused by RFradiation other than by thermal effect. However, noevidence is established yet.

The scientific community and international bodiesacknowledge that further research is needed to improveour understanding in some of these areas. At the moment,there is insufficient and inconclusive scientific findings toprove any adverse health effects caused by RF radiation.

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How safe is the mobile phone system? Canit cause cancer and other illnesses?

Some studies have also examined the possibility of a linkbetween RF radiation exposure and cancer. The results todate have been inconclusive. While some experimentaldata may suggest a possible link between exposure andcancer formation in animals exposed under certain specificconditions, the results have not been independentlyreproduced. In fact, other studies have failed to findevidence for a causal link to cancer or any relatedcondition. Further research is underway in severallaboratories to help resolve this issue.

In recent years, publicity, speculation, and concern overclaims of possible health effects due to RF radiation frombase stations and mobile phones have prompted manyresearch organizations to investigate the potential healtheffects from the use of mobile phones.

To date, there is inconclusive scientific evidence to provethat the mobile phone system can lead to cancer or avariety of other health effects, including headaches,dizziness, memory loss or birth defects.

What is Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)? Howcan I use it?

SAR is a measure of the amount of RF energy that isabsorbed by the tissues in the human body. It indicatesthe average rate at which energy is absorbed for eachkilogram of tissue (watts per kg). This measurement is usedto determine whether a mobile phone complies with thesafety guidelines.

The exposure limit takes into consideration the body’sability to remove heat from the tissues that absorb energyfrom the mobile phone and is set well below levels knownto show biological effects.

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The U. S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limitfor RF radiation exposure from mobile phones is set at aSAR of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). ICNIRPrecommends that the localized SAR in the head be limitedto 2 W/kg averaged over any 10g mass of tissues in thehead (0.02 W absorbed in any 10g mass of tissue in thehead). A SAR of 4W/kg is associated with a temperaturerise in humans of a fraction of a degree Celsius.

Where can I obtain SAR value for my mobilephone?

Mobile phone manufacturers must ensure that theirproducts comply with the SAR levels that have been setas safe although there is a range of SAR values in theproducts sold. You may wish to take the SAR value intoconsideration when choosing a mobile phone, hence themove to provide this information. SAR values are availableat www.fcc.gov/cgb/sar/

What steps can I take to reduce my exposureto RF radiation from my mobile phone?

If you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks,here are a few simple steps that you can take to helpminimize your exposure to RF radiation.

Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a personreceives, the shorter the time you spend on a mobilephone, the smaller the RF radiation exposure. You coulduse a hands-free kit or use a mobile phone connected toa remote antenna to increase the distance between yourbody and the source of the RF radiation, since the exposurelevel drops off dramatically with distance.

Again, the scientific data does not demonstrate thatmobile phones are harmful. However, if you are concernedabout the RF radiation exposure from these products, you

16

can use measures described on page 15 to reduce your RFradiation exposure from mobile phone use.

Will the Third Generation (3G) mobilesystems pose greater health hazards tousers?

The 3G system offers higher quality service and cansupport more applications including video conferencingand internet access. It utilises higher frequency of up to2100 MHz. Generally 3G mobile phones operate at lowerpower levels than the older handsets.

The preliminary evidence available now does not suggestthat there are adverse health effects from exposures toRF fields below guideline levels, but the published researchon RF exposures and health has limitations, because 3Gsystem has only been in widespread use for a relativelyshort time.

What is the Precautionary Principleadvocated by the World HealthOrganization?

Due to the rapid technological developments, we arefaced with circumstances where health consequences aredifficult to predict and manage. Thus, the PrecautionaryPrinciple provides flexible approaches to prevent or limitexposures to agents or activities whose effects are notwell understood, but which may pose some harm. Theaim, is to minimize potential risks from new technologieswhile still allowing us to enjoy their potential benefits.However, these measures are costly and must be balancedagainst the value of the benefits gained.

One example is to discourage non-essential usage bychildren as their head and nervous system are still

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developing. Parents and young people should thereforedecide on their usage. The use of hands-free kit is anotherexample. If you use a mobile phone, the best way toreduce your exposure to radiofrequency (RF) is to keepthe calls short.

What is the advice for children using mobilephones?

Although the scientific evidence does not show a dangerto mobile phone users, including children and teenagers,you may want to take steps to lower the exposure to RFradiation using the measures described above. Reducingthe time of mobile phone use and increasing the distancebetween the user and the RF radiation source will reducethe RF radiation exposure.

In December 2000, the United Kingdom governmentrecommended limiting the use of mobile phones bychildren as a precautionary measure. It was, however,noted that no evidence exists to suggest that using amobile phone causes brain cancers or other health effects.

The U.K. Stewart Report states:‘If there are currently unrecognized adverse health effectsfrom the use of mobile phones, children may be morevulnerable because of their developing nervous system,the greater absorption of energy in the tissues of the head,and a longer lifetime of exposure. In line with ourprecautionary approach, we believe that the widespreaduse of mobile phones by children for non-essential callsshould be discouraged. We also recommend that themobile phone industry should refrain from promoting theuse of mobile phones by children.’

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So why is anyone still worried?

It is only natural for the members of the public to worrywhenever there is a health scare as this is how theyperceive risk. The tremendous amount of publicity on thishealth issue has also caused further confusion anduncertainty. A few years back, experiments conducted onanimals suggested that mobile phone radiation mightcause cancer or damage DNA. While these findings havebeen reported, further animal studies have also suggestedthat RF radiation is harmless.

Secondly, science is unable to prove that something isabsolutely safe and harmless. And scientists are seldomable to say the word ‘never’ an assurance that the publicwants.

Thirdly, as health scare has always acquired a life of theirown, once it is suspected that mobile phones could bedangerous, many people would come forward to heapblames on them as the probable cause for the death oftheir loved ones or any illness that they may have.Although there is inconclusive evidence, no amount ofproof of reseach will likely erase such doubts.

Presently, no recognized expert is of the opinion that theradiation from television towers and other microwave-emitting antennas is linked to leukaemia. Whatever littleevidence that existed before has since been squashed. Yet,in many countries, ongoing campaigns have been carriedout to stop these towers from being built.

In the 1960s, the public were suspicious and undulyworried about the x-ray exposure from their colourtelevision. In the 1980s, electromagnetic fields fromcomputer terminals have been erroneously linked as the

19

main cause of miscarriages, birth defects and other healthproblems. Again, these claims have been overturned. Inthe 1990s, with the internet revolution, experts havebegun to raise their concerns over the internet addictionamong its users.

Some useful tips on using the mobile phones safely

1 Use a hands-free kit while you are driving. Keepyour conversations short and easy.

2 Avoid using a mobile phone especially when drivingon hazardous road conditions.

3 To make sure that your mobile phone transmits atthe lowest power level you should:

• use your mobile phone in a place with goodsignal strength.

• stand near an open window and away fromobstructions such as walls and pillars.

4 Consider using mobile phone accessories such asheadphones, microphone attachments and hands-free car kits to minimize the time you spend usingyour phone held close to your ear.

5 Avoid talking on the mobile phones while you arewalking or crossing a road.

6 If you really need to make an important call, stopyour car at a safe place. If you have a passenger,ask him/her to manage your mobile calls for you.

7 For maximum safety, it is best to concentrate ondriving and avoid talking on your mobile phonewhile you drive.

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Where can I get more information?

There are many informative and authoritative web sitesmaintained by international organizations andgovernment agencies where you can get furtherinformation. These include:◆ The World Health Organization (WHO). The World

Health Organization established the InternationalEMF Project in 1996 to assess the scientific evidenceof possible health effects of electric and magneticfields, including the radiofrequency fields from mobilephone. They have a fact sheet on ‘Electromagneticfields and public health’ that deals with issues relatingto radiation around mobile phones and base stationsavailable athttp://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs193/en/Other information on the project can be found athttp://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/

◆ The International Agency for Research on Cancer(IARC) INTERPHONE project is described inhttp://www.iarc.fr

◆ New information leaflets published by the U.K.Department of Health can be found at:http://www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs/en

◆ Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones Report(also known as the Stewart Report) – this report waspublished in May 2000 by an independent expertgroup established by the U.K. governmenthttp://www.iegmp.org.uk

◆ Royal Society of Canada. A review of the potentialhealth risks of radiofrequency fields from wirelesstelecommunications devices. Expert panel reportprepared by the Royal Society of Canada forHealth. Ottawa, Royal Society of Canada (1999).http: / /www.rsc .ca / index.php?page=expert_panels_rf&lang_id=1&page_id=120

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◆ The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) Online journal Spectrum article “Are mobilephones safe?”http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/publicfeature/aug00/prad.html

◆ IEEE Committee on Man and Radiation (COMAR) alsopublishes reports on the safety and human exposureto electromagnetic fields.http://ewh.ieee.org/soc/embs/comar/

◆ A consumer update on mobile phones produced bythe United States FDA is available athttp://www.fda.gov/cellphones/

◆ A highly respected Internet site on health and safetyissues relating to electromagnetic fields by J. Moulder,Medical College of Wisconsin, U.S.A.http://www.mcw.edu/gcrc/cop/cell-phone-health-FAQ/toc.html

Additional Information/Links

INTERNATIONAL◆ World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF

Projecthttp://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/

◆ International Commission on Non-Ionizing RadiationProtection (ICNIRP)http://www.icnirp.de

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Ng Kwan-Hoong Ph.D., FIPM, MIPEM (UK),Board Certified ABMP (USA) CSci, AM, isProfessor of Medical Physics at theDepartment of Radiology, University ofMalaya, Kuala Lumpur. His research areashave been focused in radiationmeasurement, biological effects ofradiation, computer applications inmedicine and medical imaging.

Professor Ng has served in severalcommittees of the Ministry of Health andthe Atomic Energy Licensing Board. Hehas also served with internationalorganizations, the International AtomicEnergy Agency, World Health Organization,and International Organization for MedicalPhysics, International Union of Physical andEngineering Science in Medicine. ProfessorNg has published extensively and presentedscientific papers at internationalconferences. He has also served in severaleditorial boards of local and internationaljournals.

Professor Ng Kwan Hoong

About the Author