Workgroup Report: Base Stations and Wireless Networks—Radiofrequency (RF) Exposures and Health Consequences

Abstract

Radiofrequency (RF) waves have long been used for different types of information exchange via the airwaves—wireless Morse code, radio, television, and wireless telephony (i.e., construction and operation of telephones or telephonic systems). Increasingly larger numbers of people rely on mobile telephone technology, and health concerns about the associated RF exposure have been raised, particularly because the mobile phone handset operates in close proximity to the human body, and also because large numbers of base station antennas are required to provide widespread availability of service to large populations. The World Health Organization convened an expert workshop to discuss the current state of cellular-telephone health issues, and this article brings together several of the key points that were addressed. The possibility of RF health effects has been investigated in epidemiology studies of cellular telephone users and workers in RF occupations, in experiments with animals exposed to cell-phone RF, and via biophysical consideration of cell-phone RF electric-field intensity and the effect of RF modulation schemes. As summarized here, these separate avenues of scientific investigation provide little support for adverse health effects arising from RF exposure at levels below current international standards. Moreover, radio and television broadcast waves have exposed populations to RF for > 50 years with little evidence of deleterious health consequences. Despite unavoidable uncertainty, current scientific data are consistent with the conclusion that public exposures to permissible RF levels from mobile telephony and base stations are not likely to adversely affect human health.

Wireless Phones Electromagnetic Field Radiation Exposure Assessment

“…While some researchers were able to find a link between mobile phones radiation and some negative health effect [5,7,[10][11][12] , others are at the opposite [13,14] more work can be found on WHO EMF project website . Based on our review there wasn't any research that investigate the electromagnetic field strength emitted by mobile phones at four different mode of operation while facing and backing the object.…”

Noninvasive Assessment of Metabolic Effects of Exposure to 900 MHz Electromagnetic Fields on Djungarian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

“…However, in practice it is often difficult to assess whether temperature elevation has taken place. No alternative mechanism of interaction has been identified to date (Sheppard, Swicord & Balzano, 2008;Valberg, van Deventer & Repacholi, 2007).…”

Effects of Network Infrastructure sharing Challenges on Open Information Communication Technology Infrastructure Sharing among Mobile Service Providers in Kenya

“…The driving force behind Network sharing in UK was competitive nature of UK market that led to declining revenues and margins and the stringent coverage requirements imposed by regulators thereby, forcing the Mobile Service Providers to embrace Open ICT infrastructure sharing as the only alternative to cost savings. However, Asset Management and Valuation was identified as a major challenge in network sharing [6]. To mitigate this challenge, Orange and Vodafone created a joint team known as Cornerstone to facilitate sharing of their combined UK masts.…”

“…The present individualism is reflecting under utilization of BTS (Base Transceiver Station) sites and resources and is also a burden on the operators. According to [6], there is also general public concern over effects on health and environment due to growing numbers of Base stations in cities towns and rural areas. This is a concern to most Mobile Service Providers in Kenya.…”