There is no scientific evidence that low-level electromagnetic field exposure from mobile phones and other transmitting devices causes adverse¹ health effects, according to a report presented by a Norwegian Expert Committee. In addition, the Committee provides advice to authorities about risk management and regulatory practice. The Committee has assessed the health hazards from low-level electromagnetic fields generated by radio transmitters. These electromagnetic fields are found around mobile phones, wireless² phones and networks, mobile phone base stations, broadcasting transmitters and other communications equipment. The Committee has evaluated the power of the fields, whether they pose a health risk, the current regulatory practice, and whether the threshold limit values for exposure are observed.

 

The report is entitled "Svake høyfrekvente elektromagnetiske felt -- en vurdering av helserisiko og forvaltningspraksis. FHI-rapport 2012:3" (In English: Low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic fields -- an assessment³ of health risks and evaluation⁴ of regulatory practice. NIPH report 2012:3). Published on September 13th, the report contains a Norwegian and English summary.

 

Studied electromagnetic fields below threshold limit values

 

The low-level electromagnetic fields generated when antennas⁵（天线，触角） in mobile phones and other wireless devices transmit radio signals are referred to as radiofrequency (RF) fields.

 

The health authorities have determined⁶ that the threshold（极限，门槛） limit values for electromagnetic fields around transmitters in mobile phones and other equipment should be the same as those recommended by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The threshold limit values are based on fields above a certain power that can cause harmful heating of tissue. The ICNIRP has not observed other adverse health effects under this level.

 

The threshold limit values for these fields are 50 times below the level that causes heating of human tissue or stimulation⁷ of nerve cells. Due to increasing public concerns, the government requested the appointment of an Expert Committee to assess whether such low-level electromagnetic fields could cause health effects.

 

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health was commissioned to appoint the Expert Committee by the Ministry⁸ of Health and Care Services and the Ministry of Transport and Communication. The Committee was chaired by Professor Jan Alexander, Assistant Director-General at the Institute.

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