Through this series of frequently asked questions, we hope that we have addressed your questions and concerns on radio emissions from mobile phones and the infrastructure that supports them.



How does a mobile phone work?

What is a base station?

What is the difference between an antenna and a mast?

What is non-ionizing radiation or NIR?

Who decides exposure limits?

How do ICNIRP know what levels are safe?

Who controls mobile telecommunications guidelines in Ireland?

Can mobile phones present a health risk?



If you require any additional information, please email us at info@openaccess.ie or call our support desk on (01) 6429800.



                                       






How does a mobile phone work?

A mobile phone, which is a sophisticated two-way radio, works by connecting to a base station over a low power radio link whenever a call is made or received.


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What is a base station?

A base station provides the gateway connection between a mobile phone and the rest of the telephone network.


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What is the difference between an antenna and a mast?

A mast is the support structure upon which single or multiple antennas are attached. The antenna(s), which transmit the signal and connect the mobile phone to the network, may alternatively be mounted on a rooftop in which case a different support structure is required.


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What is non-ionizing radiation or NIR?

NIR is emitted from various household products such as TV sets, AM/FM radios, Wireless Broadband, hair dryers, as well as mobile phones/base stations. It is produced through a combination of electric and magnetic fields. It is physical energy that moves in wave-like motion and does not change the structure of atoms. NIR is fundamentally different from ionizing radiation created by X-rays, gamma rays, and ultra-violet rays.

See illustration on the electromagnetic spectrum for more information


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Who decides exposure limits?

The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, or ICNIRP, an independent not-for-profit scientific organisation set up to disseminate information and advice on the potential health concerns of exposure to NIR. ICNIRP is the formally recognized non-governmental organization on non-ionizing radiation protection for the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the European Union (EU). Emissions compliance readings are presented relative to the ICNIRP level, usually by how many times they are below it.


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How do ICNIRP know what levels are safe?

For the past few decades scientists have been researching the biological effects of NIR on animals and humans. The ICNIRP guidelines have been formulated using the knowledge gained as a result of this research. A typical base station can be many times below the ICNIRP limits.


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Who controls mobile telecommunications guidelines in Ireland?

The Commission for Communications Regulation, or ComReg, was established by the government on 1 December 2002. It endorses the international guidelines as set by ICNIRP.


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Can mobile phones present a health risk?

Despite comprehensive research since World War II, the consensus of scientific opinion is that exposure to NIR below the accepted guidelines does not pose a health risk. Mobile phones expose an individual to a fraction of the level defined in the accepted guidelines.


Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.

WHO fact sheet 304, May 2006

We conclude that the balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near to base stations on the basis that exposures are expected to be small fractions of guidelines.

The United Kingdom Independent Expert Group Report (also known as the Stewart Report) 2000.


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