Health and Environment

July 08	GSMA: Joint Brochure - RF Safety at Base Station Sites (PDF) This document was prepared by the GSMA and the MMF and gives practical guidance for personnel working at base station and antenna sites on how to take exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) into account in order to make sure applicable exposure guidelines are not exceeded. It is primarily directed at RF workers but some content will be relevant to other workers (for example, rooftop workers) who may have reason to come close to transmitting equipment.
May 08	Weighing the evidence in emf health research (PDF) The scientific method provides the most reliable way to increase our knowledge. Nevertheless, like other human activities, scientific investigation is subject to potential errors, personal opinions and uncertainties. This applies as much to research on potential health effects associated with radio waves, also known as radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), as it does to all other areas of science. When weighing up the evidence for potential health effects, scientists consider different aspects before drawing their conclusions. The following questions as well as the additional sources at the end of this information will help to evaluate research studies and reported potential health effects.
Dec 07	Reported Illness Clusters Near Base Stations (PDF) There has been speculation regarding alleged illness clusters (particularly cancer) near mobile communications antenna sites (base stations). However, subsequent examinations by independent health authorities have been unable to confirm any true clusters linked with either proximity to the base stations or the low level radio signals they transmit. Rare diseases are often distributed randomly in the community and this means that there will be chance instances of apparent clusters as antenna sites need to be located where people use phones.
Nov 07	Building Mobile Networks: European Mobile Operator Responses to Public Concern (PDF) In August and September 2007, Ovum Consulting surveyed all GSM Europe (GSME) Members in the European Union Member States and Switzerland to assess actions taken by mobile operators in relation to the GSME Recommendations on good practice for network rollout first adopted in 2001. The results of the survey show that mobile operators have taken many positive steps to address public concerns about network deployment.
Oct 07	Postponement of the European Directive 2004/40/EC for EMF at work (PDF) MMF and GSMA members are committed to ensuring that the working environment of their employees near transmission antennas complies with the applicable requirements for EMF exposure. Whenever relevant, they also rely on the international safety guidelines endorsed by the World Health Organization and adopted by many countries around the world. These provide a sound scientific basis for assuring a healthy and safe work environment for those who work in the vicinity of radio frequency transmitters.
Oct 07	Conducting Epidemiological Studies on Mobile Base Stations (PDF) The reliability of epidemiological studies in detecting real associations between illness and environmental factors is limited by, amongst other things, the accuracy and validity of the exposure classification. This is particularly relevant to epidemiological studies testing for associations between illness and radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field exposures from mobile base stations. On the current evidence, it appears that it is not feasible to reliably assess individual RF exposures in areas around base stations for epidemiological studies.
Oct 07	Interpreting Epidemiological Studies (PDF) To date there have been several studies investigating possible associations between adverse health effects and exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields emitted by radio sources, including mobile phones and radio broadcast towers. Whilst these studies have received public attention, their interpretation is not straightforward due to methodologic difficulties. Furthermore it should be noted that while epidemiological studies can indicate possible factors influencing health, they cannot be used to unequivocally prove causation.
Oct 07	Femtocells and Health (PDF) This brochure has been designed to answer questions you may have about femtocells. We have all read or heard about concerns raised from time to time regarding the safe use of radio waves and wireless communications equipment. The wireless industry takes these concerns seriously and welcomes ongoing research. The consensus of international health authorities today is that there are no established health effects from low power wireless communications devices such as femtocells.
Nov 06	Potential for Mobile Services to Interfere with Medical Equipment (PDF) At separations greater than 1-2m the possibility of mobile phones causing interference to medical devices is substantially reduced. It is technically possible for mobile phones to be used in designated areas of hospitals, however, warning signs and the instructions of hospital staff should be obeyed. The GSMA is not aware of any confirmed reports of interference to medical electronics by base stations on hospital rooftops. (PDF, 217kb)
Oct 06	Mobile Phone Lifecycles: Use, Take-back, Reuse and Recycle GSMA believes that more needs to be done by all stakeholders. Governments can ensure that regulatory approaches are proportionate; reward good practice, avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and tackle dumping of waste electronic equipment in countries without the necessary recycling infrastructure. Each of us can ensure we return old mobile phones through recognised take-back schemes rather than throwing them away.
May 06	Mobile Phone Shields and Patents (PDF) Mobile phones are designed to comply with scientifically based safety standards. However, add-on products are being marketed which claim to make phones 'safer.' The GSM Association advises that such products may not reduce exposure and are likely to reduce coverage. While present scientific information does not indicate the need for any special precautions, if individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their exposure by limiting the length of calls, or using personal "hands-free" devices. (PDF, 216kb)
May 06	Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (PDF) Some people report a variety of symptoms that they attribute to exposure to very low-level electromagnetic fields. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that while the symptoms are real there is no scientific basis to link the symptoms to exposure to electromagnetic fields. Furthermore WHO says that treatment of affected individuals should focus on the health symptoms and the clinical picture, and not on the person's perceived need to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic fields in the workplace or home. (PDF, 171kb)
Apr 06	Mobile Phones EMF/Health Fact Pack (PDF) There has been a substantial growth in the use of mobile communication services over the last few years. This growth is expected to continue for the foreseeable future with the introduction of new and different technologies. This document provides background information on the operation of mobile phones and their supporting infrastructure. It also provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions with respect to health and safety. (PDF, 838kb)
Mar 06	Base Station EMF Policies (PDF) The GSM Association recognises that there is public concern about allegations of possible health risks from radio base stations. We believe that governmental policies should be based on sound scientific evidence and oppose the imposition of restrictions on siting that discriminate against mobile communications. (PDF, 157kb)
Mar 06	Mobile Phone Usage at Petrol Stations (PDF) As far as the GSM Association is aware none of the media stories of mobile phones causing petrol station fires has ever been traced to a real event. However, there may be hazards associated with the distraction of using a mobile phone while operating a petrol pump. Therefore, we recommend that mobile phone users respect safety advice. (PDF, 182kb)
Feb 06	How Networks Work - The Need for Base Stations (PDF) Mobile phones have been available since the mid-80s, but are often thought to be a relatively new invention because of their recent high-profile consumer popularity. They use radio waves in the same way that radio waves have been used in the operation of many other telecommunication devices for decades, such as televisions and radios used by emergency services, the army, taxis/couriers and broadcasters. (PDF, 183kb)
Jan 06	Safety of New Wireless Technologies (PDF) There is a large body of existing scientific research at frequencies above and below those for 3G services, and a growing body of science using these particular signals. The scientific consensus is that there are no established modulation dependent effects for mobile communications signals and that current safety standards provide protection against all known adverse health effects. (PDF, 123kb)
Jan 06	Information on Potential for Interference to Electronic Devices (PDF) Mobile or cellular phones have become an integral part of modern society helping to revolutionise how we conduct our personal and business lives. Indeed, in some parts of the world, they are the most reliable or only phones available. To individuals and the community they provide personal, business and safety benefits allowing people to keep in touch while supporting freedom of movement. (PDF, 104kb)
Dec 05	Responding to Scientific Uncertainty (PDF) Research on the safety of radio signals has been underway for more than 50 years and international guidelines have been developed that provide protection for all persons against established health effects. Although scientific uncertainty remains, continuing research has reduced the knowledge gaps. Industry has responded through voluntary initiative such as supporting research, compliance with standards and provision of information. (PDF, 123kb)
Dec 05	Children and Mobile Communications (PDF) Many parents allow their children to use mobile phones because of the recognised safety benefits of ready contact between parents and children. However, some parents also worry about whether there are potential risks particular to children and the recommendations by some authorities to limit use. (PDF, 123kb)
Aug 05	GSMA/MMF - Mobile Phone Base Stations EMF / Health Fact Pack (PDF) There has been a substantial growth in the use of mobile communication services over the last few years and this growth is expected to continue for the foreseeable future with the introduction of the 3rd Generation (3G) mobile technologies. With this growth comes the inevitable increase in the number of base station sites, accompanied by public concern for possible impacts of these communication systems. Therefore this document seeks to address such concerns by providing background information on the operation of mobile communication systems as well as providing answers to some of the most commonly asked questions with respect to health and safety. (PDF, 502kb)
Mar 04	Information on Wireless Device Use on Aircraft (PDF) The GSM Association (GSMA) recommends that passengers always follow airline safety instructions. Radio transmissions in aircraft need to be controlled to prevent potential interference with aircraft systems and ground-based radio systems. It is standard practice on aircraft to turn off electrical devices during critical parts of the flight. (PDF, 73kb)
Jul 05	Information on Mobile Phone Safety (PDF) Mobile or cellular phones have become an integral part of modern society helping to revolutionise how we conduct our personal and business lives. Indeed, in some parts of the world, they are the most reliable or only phones available. To individuals and the community they provide personal, business and safety benefits allowing people to keep in touch while supporting freedom of movement. However, questions have been asked about the safety of mobile communications. (PDF, 15kb)
Apr 04	Base Station Planning Permission in Europe (PDF) In late 2002, Mason Communications (Ireland) Ltd prepared for the GSM Association (GSMA) a summary of the planning process in 12 European countries and the Walloon Region of Belgium. In late 2003, the GSMA working with members of the European interest group GSM Europe (GSME) began an on-going exercise to update and expand the available information to 18 countries/areas. (PDF, 518kb)
Jul 02	Understand SAR (PDF) To communicate with thenetwork, mobile phones emitlow levels of radio waves (alsoknown as radiofrequency or 'RF' energy) when being used.Governments around the worldhave adopted comprehensiveinternational safety guidelines,developed by independentscientific organisations,governing the exposure to RF energy. Mobile phones aredesigned to operate within thesestringent limits. (PDF, 42kb)
Jul 02	Guideline Environmental Principles Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for GSM technology is a global issue that the GSM Association is addressing as a priority in partnership with government, consumer and industry stakeholders. (PDF, 103kb)
Jul 01	GSMA Guidelines for Network Deployment Principles In July 2001 the GSM Association Environment Working Group approved these principles for Member guidance.

GSMA Papers