We play sports. Go to parties. Travel in cars and planes. We make choices about the life we want, because we feel we know about the risks involved, and can decide whether to accept them.
It's the same with mobile communications. Even after more than 60 years of research, scientists are unable to prove that there’s a health risk connected with EMF exposure at or below ICNIRP recommended levels. But Nokia still want you to explore this issue so that you can form your own opinion, and make your own decisions.
Here you can learn more about related health, environmental, and social and economic issues.
Explore the latest research
Health
There are different points of view about possible health risks relating to mobile communications. Some seem more convincing than others. How can you decide who's right? Some simple guidance could help you weigh the evidence and make up your own mind. Most information you find will claim to have a scientific basis. But some sources are more reliable than others.
Expert opinion
Internationally recognised health and safety bodies like the WHO are usually independent of commercial interests. So, their official view is typically based on good scientific evidence. You can reassure yourself further by checking how a body is funded, and whether it represents any particular group.
Regulatory authorities
Most countries adopt regulations that are decided by independent, international authorities. These are always based on a large body of well-established, scientific research taking place over many years. Different countries and regions have different frameworks for regulating radio emissions. Nokia supports the adoption of regulation in all territories.
Scientific opinion
Some general principles can help you decide on the scientific reliability of any claim:
Is the writer a qualified expert in the right scientific area?
Was the work reviewed by other experts in the field?
Have others been able to repeat their findings?
Was the work published in a recognised science journal first?
Environment
Environmental concerns are nearly always based on where base stations are placed, how they look in their surroundings, or how they might affect people nearby.
Visual impact
Large, poorly designed structures in unsuitable places can provoke sometimes justifiable criticism from the public and environmentalists. People can sometimes describe their appearance as unpleasant and disruptive in rural parks, open spaces and densely populated towns, and their presence as threatening to environmentally sensitive areas.
Safety and security
In modern industrial cities, radio wave emissions tend to be the main issue. And in other populated areas like towns, people may be more sensitive about base stations near schools or hospitals. People also want to be sure that sites are secured from public access, so that they feel protected from accidents or acts of vandalism.
Industry & community relations
There are three ways the industry works with communities to try and achieve a satisfactory balance of environmental concerns:
Consultation
Communication
Continuous design improvement
Social & economic
Mobile communications have a major impact on the lives we lead. The majority of people want mobile phones. In many societies, both older and younger people enjoy the personal security, independence and peace of mind that mobile technology brings.
Mobile networks enable emergency services to respond faster and help people more effectively. Businesses and commerce thrive on increased mobility.
And communities also benefit from the inward investment needed to build and maintain networks. This helps create jobs, and brings in rent for the land used for base station sites.
The balance of issues is different in every community. But considerations like this are an important part of the picture. Nokia encourages you to find out all the facts, and decide how you feel as an individual, living with mobile communications.
Useful websites
To help you find out more about EMF and health, we’ve put together a selection of links to other websites - from government authorities to consumer organisations.
Government authorities
World Health Organisation EMF project homepage
International Commission on Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
Consumer information
EMF explained
Sense about science
USA
FDA Consumer update on Mobile Phones
FCC FAQ’s on Wireless Phone Safety
Finland
Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK)
UK
Health Protection Agency (HPA)
Industry associations
Mobile Manufacturers Forum (MMF) - Global
GSM Association (GSMA) - Global
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA)
MobilTeleBranschen (MTB) - Sweden
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)
MMF SARtick
Scientific
Wireless Information Resource Centre (WIRC)
Sense About Science