Recent GSMA Updates
GSMA: Are the stories that mobile phones can cook eggs or make popcorn pop really myths?
We've recently added this to our FAQ with the following answer:
As set out by snopes.com, they are both myths. There is simply not enough power from a mobile phone to produce either effect. A mobile phone has a maximum average power of about 0.25 watts, compared to 900 watts or more from a microwave oven. In the case of the egg myth, it started from a spoof article in 2000. You can see a video of the egg-cooking myth being debunked here.
The popcorn myth was started in June 2008 as a Youtube video promotion by a Bluetooth headset manufacturer who described the videos as 'fictitious and humorous optical illusions, designed for entertainment.' A clue to the myth is that the popcorn started to pop when the phones were ringing, the phone is transmitting only intermittently until the call is answered.
GSMA: Mobile Abstracts - June 2008
Mobile Abstracts provides a brief update of recent scientific publications related to mobile telephony. The format is short with a summary of the article taken from the published abstract and a link to the paper.
GSMA: Health & Environment Site Updates
There have been a number of updates and additions to the GSMA microsite.
GSMA: ITU Symposium on ICTs and climate change, London, June 2008
Dr Jack Rowley from the GSMA recently spoke at the second ITU symposium, held in London, UK, from 17-18 of June 2008. Presentations can be downloaded or viewed on line here.
Related
GSMA papers
Other Items of Interest
Belgium: Brochure - electromagnetic fields and health
The Federal Public Service Public Health, Safety of the Food Chain and Environment has published a brochure on electromagnetic fields from mobile phone antennas, applications of wireless communication, high-voltage lines and their possible consequences on health.
Canada: Cellphones safe for children: Health Canada
Canada's largest city has recommended that parents limit the cellphone use of their children, but Health Canada said in response that science does not show that cellphones are unsafe.
Germany: Mobile phones do not pose health risk, German survey shows
Mobile phones, cordless phones, and cordless base stations next to beds are safe, pose no risk of cancer to adult users, and do not cause headaches or sleeping problems.
Global: Telecom solutions to energy and climate change
The annual CO2 emissions per average GSM subscriber have reduced to about 25kg in 2000, down from around 180kg for first-generation networks in 1985. The 25kg CO2 equates to the same emissions created by driving an average European car on the motorway for around one hour.
Global: Only 3% of People Recycle Their Old Mobile Phones
A survey carried out by Nokia has reported that only 3% of people recycle their mobile phones despite the fact that most have old devices lying around at home that they no longer want.
Global: Rift delays official release of study on safety of cellphones
For 10 years, scientists have been waiting for the outcome of a global examination of the habits of thousands of brain cancer patients to explore whether there are links between cellphone use and brain tumors.
Japan: Study Group on Possible Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields
To build a society where people can use radio waves without anxiety and in safety, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will start its Study Group on Possible Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields.
UK: Phonemasts - epetition reply
The UK government has responded to an e-petition, stating that research to date provides reassurance that current recommendations are appropriate and these are kept under review.
Tanzania: Radiation from phone towers ‘not harmful’
Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority has given the general public guarantee that Tanzanians living close to mobile phone towers will not be adversely affected by radiation-laden signals.
USA: Pitt's Cancer Institute warns of cell phone risks
The director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers plans to warn about 3,000 faculty and staff about the possible health risks associated with cell phone use.
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