Wireless Communictions And Health Hazards

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Wireless Communications and Health

A Motorola Report on Science, Standards and Stewardship

June 2006

Executive Summary | Introduction | The Wireless World| Confidence in Safety | Electromagnetic Energy

Wireless Phones and Health | Motorola Sponsored Research | International Research Activities

Safety Standards | Safety Information | Conclusions | For Additional Information

Executive Summary

The phenomenal growth of wireless communications technologies has been accompanied by

occasional questions about whether these radio-based products and services might pose a

risk to health. Over many years, the answer has not changed: There is no accepted scientific

evidence that the radio signals from mobile phones, two-way radios or other wireless

communications devices present a hazard to users or the public. That conclusion is based on

a substantial body of scientific knowledge accumulated over more than 50 years. It is further

supported by the existence of internationally recognized science-based safety standards and

by the consistent judgments of expert panels, government agencies and health authorities

around the world.

Motorola has contributed to the expansion of this knowledge base through an extensive

program of in-house, direct-sponsored and supported research. Numerous studies have

strengthened the basis for public health judgments on this important issue by focusing on

radio signals used in mobile telephony. At Motorola, we believe that sound science,

international guidelines and our commitment to product stewardship вЂ" through support for

research, adherence to standards and responsiveness to the concerns of our customers and

others вЂ" will continue to provide a sound basis for public confidence in the safety of our radio

products.

Introduction

Around the world, advances in wireless communications technology are having profound

impacts on our lifestyles. However dazzling these changes have been, we have only begun to

realize their vast potential. In the years to come, even more sophisticated technologies and

services will become available to more people in more places вЂ" creating untold opportunities

for personal freedom, mobility and economic development.

Mobile phones and other wireless communications devices are variations of the two-way

radios developed by Motorola more 60 years ago. They utilize radiofrequency (RF) energy for

communication and operate in accordance with nationally and internationally recognized

safety standards. Despite the consensus of standard-setting bodies and others that radio

devices operating within these guidelines can be considered safe, some people have asked

whether the growing presence and use of wireless communications might carry hidden risks.

This has been stimulated at times by unsubstantiated research findings and by a small

number of lawsuits in the United States. Over time, these legal cases have been dismissed or

withdrawn. Nonetheless, they have prompted questions that deserve answers. In short, the

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answer is this: The scientific consensus has been and continues to be that the radio signals

from mobile phones and other wireless communications devices pose no known health risk.

As a world leader in wireless communications technologies, we have a responsibility to

address questions about the safety of Motorola products. This paper will explain how these

products and services work, and why you can be confident that they are safe.

The Wireless World

Wireline telephones convert sound into electrical signals that are carried by wires and cables.

Wireless phones and other radio devices, on the other hand, convert sound, video or data into

electromagnetic energy in the form of radio signals that are carried through the air.

Wireless phone systems are networks of fixed antennas and switching stations (commonly

known as "base stations") that transmit, receive and relay radio signals to and from wireless

phones within a limited range. As a user moves through service areas (known as “cells”), the

network connection passes from one base station site to the next, maintaining service without

interruption.

By dividing wireless phone networks into distinct geographical service areas, many individuals

are able to make calls simultaneously. By keeping these "cells" relatively small, the power

required for communication between the base station site and user is minimized and efficient

frequency re-use is made possible. Computerized controllers at base station sites

automatically reduce the output powers of wireless phones to the lowest levels needed to

maintain quality service. As a result, mobile phones typically operate at power levels

significantly