No rushing to conclusions on mobile phone radiation effects

The Malta Communications Authority is committed to its obligation to make sure that electro-magnetic radiation (EMF) from communication networks does not exceed the maximum exposure limits set out by international bodies, not least the European Union.

However it has no remit to comment on whether such radiation from mobile phones and related equipment, among others, is dangerous to human health.

This is the MCA's official reaction to the report "Cellphones and brain tumours: 15 reasons for concern", commissioned by European and US-based non-governmental organisations and backed by academics under the so-called EMF Collaborative. This report, published last month, discredits the ongoing Interphone study sponsored by the telecommunications industry on the effects of EMF on the human body. The EMF Collaborative study claims radiation from mobile phones is especially harmful to children.

"The authority takes note of the report and the various points put forward. A substantial part relates to the validity of scientific test and health issues which are a matter for health authorities. The MCA does, however, have an obligation to ensure that electronic communication networks adhere to established maximum exposure limits," an authority spokesman told i-Tech when asked for a reaction to EMF Collaborative report.

There are currently 950 mobile phone base stations across the Maltese islands which are covered by the MCA's ongoing EMF audit programme. However, the authority's activities also address electromagnetic radiation associated with other types of applications, such as WiMax high-speed wireless internet access, broadcasting, radio links, aeronautical, maritime, satellite transmissions and radars. Therefore, taking into account the number of mobile phone base stations, the total number of stations covered by MCA's audits amount to 2,114. The results of the audits dating to 2002 are published on its website at www.mca.org.mt.

The 950 base stations serve a mobile usage population of 97.7 per cent with 405,465 subscriptions, according to the latest Nationalist Statistics Office data up to the end of June 2009. This means there is a base station for every 426 mobile users.

The MCA told i-Tech that the exposure limits established at law are those established by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) and by the European Commission in Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC.

ICNIRP was one of the main targets of the EMF Collaborative report, insisting the commission's exposure limits "are based on a false premise that only thermal effects cause harm. In this regard, the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly for a review of the existing exposure limits."

While the MCA noted that action of the European Parliament is only a recommendation, "in consultation with the health authorities it would anticipate to adopt any revision to the recommended exposure limits of 1999/519/EC, once the recommended review is completed."

The authority further explained that cellular phones are classified as R&TTE (radio and telecommunications terminal equipment) Class 1 equipment, and all such equipment for sale in Europe needs to meet established minimum standards. No other limitations are currently in place.

"The MCA will however be considering the recommendations related to increasing public awareness on suppliers' conditions of use for cellular phones. The authority is also monitoring developments in respect of the EU Parliament resolution recommendations which in some cases are very wide-ranging and require careful consideration prior to any final position being taken," the spokesman concluded.

The editors of the EMF Collaborative report put forward a list of initiatives to be taken at government and at personal level to minimise the possible dangers related to the use of mobile phones.

On a personal level, these include an outright ban of the use of mobile phones by children under 18, sending SMS instead of making and receiving voice calls, and keeping the handset away from the body as much as possible while on standby.

On a political level, the report urges governments to ban marketing campaigns of mobile phones designed solely for children, the allocation of research funding, independent of industry funds and influence, to evaluate long-term adverse effects of mobile phones, and finance consumer awareness campaigns on the health risks and keeping the public informed on the exposure to electronic equipment that emits radiation including power lines and communication antennae.