Frequently asked questions

1. Are mobile phones and cell sites safe? The consensus of scientific opinion is that there is no substantiated evidence of adverse health effects from exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the World Health Organisation (WHO) concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level RF fields. The WHO has recommended that research continues. Vodafone supports and funds independent research in a number of countries 2. Why do we need cell sites? Cell sites are needed to make mobile phones work. Without a network of cell sites, which include masts, mobile phones wouldn’t work. Extensive regulations and safety guidelines apply to the construction and operation of cell sites. The guidelines are there to protect the public. We ensure all our cell sites comply with the RF exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. 3. Are mobile phones safe for children? We follow the World Health Organisation’s position which recognises that present scientific information does not indicate the need for any special precautions for the use of mobile phones by children. If individuals are concerned they may choose to limit their own and their children’s exposure to RF fields from mobile phones, by using hands free kits or limiting the length of calls. 4. What is a SAR value? When a person is exposed to a radio frequency field it penetrates a few centimetres into the body and is absorbed as energy. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is an indication of the amount of energy absorbed into the body whilst using a mobile phone. ICNIRP has issued guidelines for SAR values from phones (measured in watts per kilogram of body weight). These set a maximum SAR value of 2 watts per kg. All Vodafone mobiles comply with this ICNIRP limit. 5. Is it safe to carry a mobile phone close to your body? There is no evidence to suggest that holding a mobile phone close to your body has any harmful effect provided that the phone is compliant with the recommended ICNIRP guidelines. All mobiles sold by Vodafone comply with these guidelines. Mobile phone SAR values are currently measured for exposure to the head using international test standards. In addition, we recognise that mobiles are worn near the body (on a belt or in a pocket) so we have asked our manufacturers to supply us with a body-worn SAR measurement. Some manufacturers are updating their User Guides with information on body-worn use and customers who purchase a new mobile may notice a sticker and/or a leaflet in the box requesting that they read the information provided with the device before using it. 6. What are the health impacts of continuous mobile phone use over a long period of time? There has been global research into wireless technology since radio transmissions began in the 1930s. Worldwide, tens of millions of dollars has been spent on research and thousands of scientific studies have been done. The consensus of opinion is that there is no substantiated evidence linking mobile phone technology to adverse health effects, provided the technology is operated within internationally recognised guidelines. 7. How long is it safe to use a mobile phone for? We follow the WHO’s position which recognises that present scientific information does not indicate the need for any special precautions for the use of mobile phones. Therefore, there’s no need to limit the length of mobile calls. However, if individuals are concerned they may choose to limit their own and their children’s exposure to RF fields from mobiles, by using hands free kits, or limiting the length of calls.