Mobile phone safety

Introduction

Most current research suggests it is unlikely mobile phones or base stations increase the risk of any type of cancer (see below). However, it is acknowledged this evidence is based on use of mobile phones over 15 years and long-term effects are not fully known.

This means there are recommendations for mobile phone safety that aim to lower your exposure to radiowaves. Any risk from mobile phone use is likely to be higher in children.

You are four times more likely to have an accident when using a mobile phone while driving. For now, this is considered the biggest risk to your health from using a mobile phone.

Read more information about the risks of mobile phone use.

Mobile phone use in the UK

Ofcom, the independent regulator for the communication industry, says around 91% of adults in the UK own or use a mobile phone.

Mobile phones are more than just a business tool. They are now a popular means of communication, a safety aid and an essential part of many people's lives.

There are around 54,000 mobile phone base stations in the UK according to May 2011 figures. Base stations are transmitters (sometimes called masts) that use radio waves to communicate with mobile phone handsets.

Radio waves are low-energy radiation waves that transmit through antenna on a mobile phone. The radio waves transmit to the base station and back again. Base stations are surrounded by electromagnetic fields, an energy force created when electricity is generated.

What research has been done?

There has been a huge amount of scientific research into health effects of mobile phone use since widespread use started in the 1990s.

In April 2012, the largest review yet of published research from the Health Protection Agency's independent advisory group on non-ionising radiation (AGNIR) found no clear evidence that radio waves from mobile phones caused brain tumours or any other type of cancer. 

The review, Health Effects from Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields, considered hundreds of scientific studies on the effects of mobile phone radiation on cells, animals and people.

However scientists cautioned research only covered exposure of up to 15 years and further monitoring of risks was necessary.

Mobile phone safety has also been brought to public attention by the former Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions (DTLR). The DTLR highlighted safety implications of driving while using a mobile phone. It is now against the law to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.