P-04-553 A full and independent investigation in to the health risks of wireless and mobile phone technologies in Wales including all schools - Correspondence – Ofcom to Chair, 14.09.14

Dear William

Thank you for your letter regarding Petition P-04-553.

Ofcom regulates the operation of mobile networks in relation to their use of radio frequencies but does not have any duties related to the recommendations for exposure to EMF emissions.  We do not set emission safety levels and we have neither the expertise nor the remit to participate in matters concerning biological or health research.  However, we have published general advice to provide background information and indicate where further information may be found.

As this advice sets out, measurements taken of emissions near cellular installations have consistently been very significantly lower than the international guidelines recommended by Public Health England (formerly the Health Protection Agency).  We are also aware that current (September 2013) advice published by the World Health Organisation about mobile phones states:

Based on mixed epidemiological evidence on humans regarding an association between exposure to RF radiation from wireless phones and head cancers (glioma and acoustic neuroma), RF fields have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Studies to date provide no indication that environmental exposure to RF fields, such as from base stations, increases the risk of cancer or any other disease.

Other health effects

Scientists have reported other health effects of using mobile phones including changes in brain activity, reaction times, and sleep patterns. These effects are minor and have no apparent health significance. More studies are underway to try to confirm these findings.”

I hope that this is helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Best regards
Rhodri