Radio waves and body absorption
The radio waves that are received and sent by mobile phones transmit in all directions to find the nearest base station. This means that some of the radio waves will be directed at your body when you use a mobile phone.
Radio waves are absorbed into your body tissue as energy, which adds to the energy being produced by your body's metabolism. This can cause a very small rise in temperature in your body and, more specifically, in your head.
This effect of radio waves on your body is measured using specific absorption rates (SAR). SAR is a measure of the amount of energy absorbed. The units of measurement are watts per kilogram (W/kg) or milliwatts per gram (mW/g). The higher the SAR, the more energy your body is absorbing, and the higher the rise in temperature.
Current research shows that radio waves from mobile phones cause a rise in temperature of up to 0.1°C. This does not pose a known risk to health. Some mobile phones have better specific absorption rates (SARs) than others. You can obtain this information from your mobile phone manufacturer or retailer.
Risks to children
Children are thought to be at higher risk of health implications from the use of mobile phones. This is because their skulls and cells are still growing and tend to absorb radiation more easily.
It is recommended that children use mobile phones only if absolutely necessary.
Research and evidence
Continuing research is being carried out to see if there are any substantial health risks associated with mobile phone use and base station emissions.
In 2007, an independent research report was published. The report looked into health implications, including cancers of the brain and nervous system and electrical hypersensitivity (which can cause symptoms such as headaches and dizziness). You can find this report on the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) website.
There is no clear evidence that people living or working near base stations are at risk from the radiation. Base stations do not need planning permission before they are erected. However, schools should regularly monitor the emissions of base stations situated inside or close to school grounds.
Every year, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) carries out an audit, which measures the emissions from a random selection of base stations across the country. A report highlighting the findings of the audit is available on the Ofcom website.
If you think that a base station near you needs to be audited, you can apply for it to be considered by Ofcom free of charge.
Driving and mobile phones
Around 80% of drivers have or regularly use a mobile phone. Surveys suggest that you are four times more likely to have an accident if you are using a mobile phone while driving.
New legislation that came into effect in February 2007 made it an offence to use a handheld phone or similar device when driving (this includes calling and texting).
Penalties for using a handheld mobile phone while driving were increased from £30 to £60, or up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches), plus three penalty points on your licence. Drivers still risk prosecution for failure to have proper control of their motor vehicle if they use hands-free phones when driving.
Mobile phones and hospital equipment
Different hospitals have different rules regarding mobile phone use. Therefore, always check with hospital staff before you use your phone.
Mobile phones can cause disruption in hospitals. They can disturb patients who are resting and could be confused with alarm bells on medical equipment.
The radio waves from mobile phones can also interfere with medical devices, such as monitors.
If a hospital does not allow the use of mobile phones on their site, they will display posters around the building saying so. All patients, visitors and staff should follow the hospital's rules.
