MOBILE PHONES MR A. J. EMERSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
BACKGROUND Concern about the effects of mobile phones and their infrastructure relates to the emission of electro magnetic waves (electro magnetic fields (EMF’s) or radio waves). EMF’s are all around us. They occur naturally, such as the earth’s magnetic field, which causes compass needles to point north. Natural biological processes also produce electric and magnetic fields within animals and humans. EMF’ also arise from a wide range of man-made sources and will be present wherever there is electricity. Sources of man-made EMF’s include domestic wiring and appliances (such as lamps, hairdryers and television sets), visual display unit, mobile phones, electric trains and security systems used in shops. Man-made sources of EMF’s also include electricity power lines, broadcasting transmitters and telecommunications base stations (which includes those used by the emergency services and those which form part of mobile communications networks). It is these sources which are most commonly encountered by the planning system. It is also such sources of EMF’s that often give rise to the greatest levels of public concern about possible health effects. The Government’s advisers on radiological protection matters are the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). They provide expert advise on the heath implications of EMF’s, drawing upon the most up-to-date research worldwide. The BNRPB are able to offer advice to local authorities and the general public and have themselves produced a number of leaflets and other publications in this field. HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE The public has become increasingly aware of the presence of EMF’s in the environment. This growing awareness has been accompanied by concern that exposure to EMF’s may have possible adverse effects upon health. It is clearly important that the public be protected where an adverse health effect exists. Established health effects of exposure to radio waves from mobile phone systems are associated with the heating of tissues. Both the NRPB and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have published guidelines on limiting exposure to radio waves.
However, a particular point of public concern is whether exposure to low-level EMF’s might cause other, ‘non-established’ health effects, such as headaches, sleep disturbance, depression, stress and also long term health effects such as cancer. INDEPENDENT EXPERT GROUP ON MOBILE PHONES In 1999, the Government asked the NRPB to set up the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones. This group, under the chairmanship of Sir William Stewart, considered concerns about health effects from the use of mobile phones, base stations and transmitters. The Group published its report on 11th May 2000. In respect of base stations, the report concludes that ‘the balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near to base stations on the basis that exposures are expected to be small fractions of the guidelines. However, there can be indirect adverse effects on their well being in some cases’. They also say that the possibility of harm cannot be ruled out with confidence and that the gaps in knowledge are sufficient to justify a precautionary approach. The Independent Expert Group recommended a precautionary approach, compromising a series of specific measures, to the use of mobile phone technologies until we have more detailed and scientifically robust information on any health effects. In its response to the Group’s report, the Government indicated that it accepted the precautionary approach advised by the group. The Government’s acceptance of this precautionary approach is limited to the specific recommendations in the Group’s report and the Government’s response to them. These include: 1. The emissions from mobile phones base stations should meet the ICNIRP guidelines for public exposure. Most mobile phone base stations already meet the ICNIRP guidelines. However, the mobile phone operators are assessing and adjusting, where necessary, all their existing sites to ensure that they meet the ICNIRP guidelines. All new mobile phone base stations will do so. 2. That a national database be set up by Government, giving details of all base stations and their emissions. The Government has accepted this recommendation. The database will be developed and maintained by the Radio-communications Agency (RA) and should be available in the latter part of 2001. Information about the database is on the RA website. 3. An independent audit of emissions should be established to give the public confidence that base stations do not exceed approved guidelines. The RA is carrying out this audit and, in line with the recommendations of the Stewart Report, is currently focused on base stations located on school premises. It is planned that after 100 surveys have been undertaken the
results will be analysed to identify any emerging trends and decisions will then be taken on how to progress the audit. The results of the surveys are published on the RA website. 4. Clear exclusion zones should be in place around all mobile phone base station antennas to prevent the public from exposure to radio frequency radiation above ICNIRP guidelines. (These exclusions zones relate to an area directly in from of and at the height of the antenna). Clear warning signs should be used to minimise the risk of undue exposure to radiation from unit being opened during use. 5. A substantial research programme, overseen by a demonstrably independent panel, should be financed by the mobile phone companies and the public sector. The Government has launched a joint Government/industry research programme, costing around £7 million and with an independent programme management committee led by Sir William Stewart. It will carry out research into the effects of mobile phone technology on health. This will ensure that this area is kept under review and that Government and the public are kept to date with new research findings. 6. The NRPB to review further research in this area and to report on progress in three years time or whenever significant new information becomes available. ICNIRP GUIDELINES The ICNIRP guidelines are similar to those set by the NRPB for occupational exposure. However, they differ in being 5 times lower for exposure of the general public. The guidelines have been accepted throughout Europe and are a legal requirement in Germany, the acceptance of the precautionary principle clearly required the adoption of this more stringent standard in the UK. The standard for general exposure is set to allow for extreme conditions – high temperature, humidity, low air movement etc. and for higher risk groups – the frail or elderly, children, infants, those taking medication etc. In the view of the Stewart group the adoption of these guidelines (with the additional public safeguards) will ensure that the likelihood of harm to any member of the population will be as remote as practicable. The best scientific evidence supports this view which has subsequently been accepted by government. PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH IN NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE The balance of evidence indicates that there is no known risk to the health of the general public. This advice does however come with a number of caveats 1. School children in particular may present a higher risk.
2. Equipment must operate to or below the ICNIRP guidelines. 3. The need for exclusion zones. 4. Older equipment must continue to function properly. Consultation on new proposals for telecommunications equipment allow the Environmental Protection team to comment to the Development Control Team on any assumptions made by the applicant with regard to ICNIRP compliance. If necessary further work is undertaken to establish the existence of exclusion zones and examine the antenna field strength predictions. Evidence is also sought that the beam of greatest intensity does not fall on any school grounds or buildings and that the installation is remote from hospitals and fuel filling stations. The independent audit established as a result of the Stewart report should begin to give us a picture of how older equipment is continuing to function. However, it may be appropriate for an audit of installations in North East Lincolnshire. There is little justification for providing such a facility ‘in house’, as the costs (equipment £35K etc.) are difficult to justify. However, the NRPB are prepared to offer a service to the Council at approximately £2000 per day. A significant random sample could be covered within a single working day should funding be made available. We are currently compiling a complete list of existing installations to support any future audit.
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