Mobile phone monitoring

Mobile Phone Operators Association (MOA)

The Mobile Phone Operators Association (MOA) was established in January 2003 to represent the five UK mobile phone network operators (3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone) on issues of health, scientific research and planning associated with the use of mobile phone technology.

The MOA acts as a focal point sharing relevant information with interested parties such as local planners, elected councillors, resident groups, amenity bodies and the public.

Visit the MOA website for a series of information sheets for elected members and the public.

Electromagnetic waves and radiation

Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere in our environment. There are natural sources, such as the earths magnetic field, but there are also manmade sources such as domestic appliances, TV, radio, microwave ovens and mobile phones.

One of the main characteristics of an electromagnetic field is its frequency. Electromagnetic fields of all frequencies make up the electromagnetic spectrum, which can be divided into two principal areas: ionising and non-ionising radiation.

Non-ionising radiation is the term given to the lower frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum, this is because there is insufficient energy to cause changes at the molecular level to living matter. It includes static and power frequency fields, radiofrequencies, microwaves and infrared radiation. Microwaves, hairdryers, fridges, televisions, and all other electrical appliances all emit low levels of non-ionising radiation.

Ionising radiation on the other hand occurs in the very high frequencies region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It can pass through body tissues and cause damage at molecular level. Examples of this type of radiation are x-rays and gamma rays, which are regularly used in hospital treatments and ultraviolet light.

How a mobile phone works

When you talk into a mobile telephone it converts the sound of your voice to radiofrequency energy (radio waves). The radio waves are transmitted through the air to a nearby base station. The base station then sends the call through the telephone network until it reaches the person you are calling. When you receive a call on your mobile phone the message travels through the telephone network until it reaches a base station near to you. The base station sends out radio waves, which are detected by your telephone and converted back to speech. Depending on the equipment and the operator, the frequency that each operator utilises is 900MHz, 1800MHz or 2100MHz.

The mobile phone network operates on the basis of a series of cells. Each cell requires a radio base station to enable it to function.

There are three types of base station and each has a particular purpose:

The Macrocell is the largest type and provides the main coverage for mobile phone networks.
The Microcell is used to improve capacity in areas where demand to make calls is high, such as shopping centres.
The Picocell only has a range of a few hundred metres and may be used to boost weak signals within large buildings.

Each base station can only cope with a certain number of calls at any one time. So if demand exceeds the capacity of a base station an additional base station is needed.

Effects of radiofrequencies

The energy from radiofrequencies is absorbed into the body, converted to heat and dissipated by the body's normal thermoregulatory process. Despite extensive research over the past sixty or seventy years into the possible health effects of electromagnetic fields, there is no evidence that exposure to low levels of radiofrequency signals is harmful. Nonetheless exposure guidelines have been produced by a number of bodies around the world, including the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which ensures that exposure to radiofrequency energy, does not cause a hazard to health. The guidelines reflect a precautionary approach and are designed to assure the safety of all persons regardless of age and health.

The use of mobile phones has increased substantially since the technology first came into use in the 1980s. This increase has led to a growth in the number of antenna sites and this in turn has led to public concern that the radio waves could be harmful. In response to this concern the government established an independent expert group, known as the Stewart Group, which concluded in May 2000 that the balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near base stations, on the basis that exposures are expected to be small fractions of NRPB and ICNIRP guidelines.

In January 2005, the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) published a follow-up evaluation. The NRPB concluded that its own measurements of emissions from base stations indicated that there is no scientific basis for establishing minimal distances between base stations and areas of public occupancy.

Nonetheless there is a perceived risk to the public health and a precautionary approach was recommended by Stewart, whereby national and local government, industry and consumers become actively involved in addressing the concerns about possible health effects of mobile phones. It was also recommended that the ICNIRP guidelines be adopted in line with other EU countries. It was also recognised that on going research is needed and in particular on the non-heating effects on human health. The NRPB report support this precautionary approach.

Government and industry have funded a research programme to look into the possible health impact of mobile telecommunications.

Controlling levels of exposure

Although there is no specific legal provisions covering non-ionising radiation the control of exposure to the public is governed by the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of the Health and Safety and Work Regulations 1999. Under the above legislation the employers are under the duty of care to ensure that no worker, or member of the public, is placed under any undue hazard.

When assessing compliance with legislation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) refers to the guidelines issued by the Health Protection Agency. In March 2001 mobile phone operators in the UK voluntarily committed to comply with the international exposure recommendation of the EU (based on the precautionary ICNIRP public exposure guidelines). Each planning application for a new installation is accompanied by a declaration confirming the design of the proposed radio base complies with the EU public exposure recommendation.

Further information

For further information on mobile phones and the the implications regarding radiation and health, visit the following websites:

Page last reviewed 11 Mar 2010

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