What do we know?
Telstra relies on the expert advice of a number of national and international health authorities, including the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for overall assessments relating to health and safety. Research into electromagnetic energy (EME), mobile phones and health has been going on for many years.
The current advice on mobile phone safety from ARPANSA is:
'There is no established scientific evidence that the use of mobile phones causes any health effects. However, the possibility of a small risk cannot be ruled out. For those concerned about health effects, ARPANSA provides advice on how to minimise exposure. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence, ARPANSA recommends parents encourage their children to use exposure-reduction measures such as those provided in this fact sheet.'
Source: ARPANSA website Mobile phones and health
The current advice on mobile phone safety from the World Health Organisation is:
'A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.
While an increased risk of brain tumours is not established, the increasing use of mobile phones and the lack of data for mobile phone use over time periods longer than 15 years warrant further research of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk. With the recent popularity of mobile phone use among younger people, and therefore a potentially longer lifetime of exposure, WHO has promoted further research on this group. Several studies investigating potential health effects in children and adolescents are underway.'
Source: WHO Fact Sheet: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones, 2014
Steps to reduce exposure to RF EME
The WHO provides information on how to reduce mobile phone exposure:
"In addition to using 'hands-free' devices, which keep mobile phones away from the head and body during phone calls, exposure is also reduced by limiting the number and length of calls. Using the phone in areas of good reception also decreases exposure as it allows the phone to transmit at reduced power."
Source: WHO Fact Sheet: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones, 2014
More information
At Telstra we are committed to providing you with any further updates from ARPANSA and the WHO as they become available.
Telstra takes all matters of safety very seriously and only sells mobile phones that meet national and international safety requirements and standards.
There are many sources of information on mobile phones and health. As well as our web site, you can go directly to some of the authorities and organisations we rely on for expert advice or general information:
You can also check your device manufacturer's handbook, guide or web site.
View our Mobiles and Health video for more exposure reduction options
Or email us at eme.enquiries@team.telstra.com