Mobile phones
Mobile phones, base stations and health
Tvoje reči vrede više
The mobile phone has become indispensable in everyday life. It enables us to communicate as we go, it enhances our quality of life and business, and, thanks to mobile phones, we can ask for information or help anywhere at anytime. It is estimated that by the end of 2010 more than 3 billion people in the world will use mobile phones. In Serbia, more than 75% of the population enjoys the advantages of mobile communication. Even bigger growth is expected, particularly thanks to increasingly advanced mobile technologies (3G) which facilitate the use of the internet. Improved quality and the sheer volume of mobile communication inevitably leads to an increase in the number of base stations, but also to an improvement of the equipment
installed in them. A debate about mobile communication and human health is likely to arise when we find out that a base station is being built in our environment. At this point we do not usually talk about facts or scientific research and measurements, but about the presumed danger of radiation. How do mobile phones and base stations operate?
Mobile phones use radio waves in the same way as radio and TV devices, or radios used by taxi drivers, police forces and the army. These radio waves belong to so-called “non-ionizing radiation”, which is also produced by some other electronic home appliances, such as radio or TV receivers, irons, lamps, hair-driers, etc.
Typical electromagnetic field levels of different devices
ICNIRP 41 V/m
Field level (V/m)
Tipični nivoi elektromagnetnog polja različitih električnih uređaja
40 35
JUS 27,5 V/m
30 25 20 15 10 5
1 V/m 0 typical BTS generated field
desktop wireless mobile wireless computer fixed phone during fixed case conversation phone phone far close to base from base usage
CRT TV
Device type
LCD TV
vacuum cleaner
blender mixer
hair dryer
fridge
Their biological influence is completely different from “ionizing radiation” emitted by radioactive materials (for instance uranium) or radiological instruments (for example X-ray), and which, if used in prohibited amounts, can be harmful to humans because they can change the molecular structure of the human body. The radiation of mobile phones is measured by the so-called SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value, which is a measure of the amount of electromagnetic energy absorbed by our body per time unit when using a mobile phone. These values must be in accordance with given standards. Mobile phones have a mechanism for dynamic power control,
the purpose of which is to make sure that the device always emits the minimal power needed for the set communication quality. Little do we know that in spaces where people usually are, the level of electromagnetic field produced by mobile phones is higher than the level of electromagnetic field produced by base stations, because phones are kept close to the body when they are used. Whereas on the other hand, the human body is never directly exposed to the electromagnetic field of a base station’s antennas, because the antennas are always installed high above the ground and the strength of electromagnetic field rapidly drops when one moves away from its source.
Electromagnetic fields spectrum
non-ionizing radiation
trunk
computer
fm radio
Ionizing radiation
mobile phone satellite remote sun and BTS connection controller radiation
solarium
roentgen radiation
radioactive radiation
radio waves very low frequencies
microwaves
frequency in herz
Energy of electromagnetic wave increases with frequency
infrared light
visible light
ultarviolet light
x ray
gamma rays
Mobile network
Mobile communication networks are divided into spatial units called “cells”, and each cell is served by one base station. The system has been planned so that mobile phones do not lose their connection with the network when a customer moves from one cell to another. The greater the density of the base station network, the better the signal coverage of the territory, i.e. in such an environment mobile phones can work using less radiation power.
Mobile phones and base stations exchange radio waves which have electromagnetic features. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has released guidelines which determine the maximum levels of electromagnetic fields allowed in human environments. So far, no scientific study has shown that there are negative effects on human health if people are exposed to the levels of electromagnetic field which are below the reference levels.
Base stations
A base station consists of an equipment cabinet, an antenna tower and antenna. The typical dimensions of an antennal are 130x30x10cm. Base stations’ antennas have a narrowly directed radiation diagram, which means that the antenna emits a very small amount of energy beside, below, above or behind. Therefore, the fear of installing these antennas on the rooftops of apartment blocks is totally unjustified, because energy is emitted from a building into empty space. Further, the energy of radio waves is drastically reduced when one moves away from its source, i.e. antennas. Electromagnetic waves are additionally weakened by obstacles such as buildings or trees.
A mobile phone emits lower strength radiation when a base station is nearby as at this point it has a better network signal.
non-ionizing radiation
The typical strength of a base station varies from several watts to 100 watts. For the sake of comparison, many of us use light bulbs of the same strength in our homes.
Ionizing radiation
High values of field level are only in close proximity of antenna
Example of installations on the roof
Example of installations on the mast
To provide good coverage, base stations are built at a distance of several hundred meters from each other (depending on the type of equipment, terrain configuration and traffic). A well planned and built network of base stations provides maximum signal coverage, more effective functioning of mobile telephones
and minimal emissions required for the work of a certain mobile device. Therefore, a larger number of base stations provide a weaker output power of a mobile phone we use, lower battery consumption, and, since the phone is in physical contact with us, a lower SAR value as well.
Health care In its brochure “Electromagnetic fields and public health”, The World Health Organization discuses the relations between mobile non-ionizing radiation telephones and human health, and states: “In all research conducted so far, it has been concluded that the electromagnetic fields of mobile phones or their base stations do not have any harmful effect on health.”mobile phone satellite remote trunk
computer
fm radio
and BTS
the standards enforced in the EU, based on the recommendations of World Health Organization and ICNIRP, define that the maximum allowed Ionizing radiation level of electromagnetic field is 41 V/m for the general public, and even 90 V/m for technical staff, so it can be concluded that our regulations are much more rigorous than the rest of the world.
sun connection controller radiation
radio waves
solarium
roentgen radiation
radioactive radiation
Vip mobile and its base stations
How is the strength of electromagnetic x ray gamma very low microwaves infrared visible ultarviolet raysVip base frequenciesregulated in Serbia? light light electromagnetic light radiation The emissions of frequency in herz
The recently adopted Law on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection of the Republic of Serbia (May 2009) has introduced international standards for using sources of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, equipment for mobile communication (GSM) being one of them, in domestic regulations. In addition, this law imposes compulsory initial and control measurements of base stations’ impact on life and the technical environment. According to the decree of SFRY government from 1990 (Official Gazette 50/90, standard JUS N.NO.205), the maximum permissible level of electromagnetic field is 27.5 V/m. International standards and
stations are in line with the abovementioned limits, and our experts constantly keep up with all research and accept the opinions of eminent independent Serbian and international institutions. According to the law, before a base station starts operating, authorized independent institutes conduct control of the equipment and the level of electromagnetic field, and then make a report and submit it to Republic Agency for Telecommunications (RATEL). To measure emissions, Vip mobile also hires experts from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, the Faculty of Technical Sciences
In spaces where people may be typically found level of electromagnetic field is far lower than the law-prescribed values.
and the Institute of Nuclear Sciences - “Vinča”, who check whether the results are in accordance with the current laws and regulations, primarily those related to environmental protection. Also, where required by law, these institutions make complete environmental impact assessment studies. Where the studies have already been conducted, the results all show that the influence of base stations is far below legal norms. Vip mobile uses the equipment of reputable world producers, such as Alcatel Lucent, Nokia, Siemens and Ericsson. This equipment was produced according to the most rigorous global and European standards and has all attestations and certificates (EU and Republic Agency for Telecommunications). The equipment is regularly maintained and undergoes control measurements. The results of measuring by the independent institutions in our country
Given the growing interest of the public in building base stations and expanding the GSM network both in urban areas and in the less populated regions of Serbia, more and more often various tests and measurements are conducted near base stations. These measurements are performed by the previously mentioned reputable independent institutions. In recent years measurements have been carried out in more than 1,500 locations on the territories of Belgrade, Nis, Novi Sad and some 30-odd municipalities in Serbia. The measurements were carried out in houses
and flats in close vicinity of GSM base stations, and they were conducted for the so-called “worst-case scenario”, which means that the place with the strongest field was looked for. Even in these circumstances all the measured results were about 10 times lower than the reference values. Typically, the level of electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation in the surroundings of a base station does not exceed 1 V/m, regardless of whether the base station is on a rooftop or a tower. Since rooftops and buildings decrease the signal level by up to 10 times, the measured level of radiation in the rooms immediately beneath the roof is typically lower than 1 V/m. The legal limit in Serbia is 27.5 V/m (JUS), and elsewhere in the world it is 41 V/m (ICNIRP). The conclusion of experts is that mobile operators comply with domestic and international norms regarding exposure to electromagnetic emissions, i.e. they take care to ensure that emissions remain within the limits which do not endanger human health and the environment.
For further information: World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/en International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, http://www.icnirp.de/ EC Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks, http://ec.europa.eu/health/opinions2/en/ electromagnetic-fields/index.htm mobilkom austria, http://www.mobilkomaustria.com/en/environment
Tvoje reči vrede više
The mobile phone has become indispensable in everyday life. It enables us to communicate as we go, it enhances our quality of life and business, and, thanks to mobile phones, we can ask for information or help anywhere at anytime. It is estimated that by the end of 2010 more than 3 billion people in the world will use mobile phones. In Serbia, more than 75% of the population enjoys the advantages of mobile communication. Even bigger growth is expected, particularly thanks to increasingly advanced mobile technologies (3G) which facilitate the use of the internet. Improved quality and the sheer volume of mobile communication inevitably leads to an increase in the number of base stations, but also to an improvement of the equipment
installed in them. A debate about mobile communication and human health is likely to arise when we find out that a base station is being built in our environment. At this point we do not usually talk about facts or scientific research and measurements, but about the presumed danger of radiation. How do mobile phones and base stations operate?
Mobile phones use radio waves in the same way as radio and TV devices, or radios used by taxi drivers, police forces and the army. These radio waves belong to so-called “non-ionizing radiation”, which is also produced by some other electronic home appliances, such as radio or TV receivers, irons, lamps, hair-driers, etc.
Typical electromagnetic field levels of different devices
ICNIRP 41 V/m
Field level (V/m)
Tipični nivoi elektromagnetnog polja različitih električnih uređaja
40 35
JUS 27,5 V/m
30 25 20 15 10 5
1 V/m 0 typical BTS generated field
desktop wireless mobile wireless computer fixed phone during fixed case conversation phone phone far close to base from base usage
CRT TV
Device type
LCD TV
vacuum cleaner
blender mixer
hair dryer
fridge
Their biological influence is completely different from “ionizing radiation” emitted by radioactive materials (for instance uranium) or radiological instruments (for example X-ray), and which, if used in prohibited amounts, can be harmful to humans because they can change the molecular structure of the human body. The radiation of mobile phones is measured by the so-called SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value, which is a measure of the amount of electromagnetic energy absorbed by our body per time unit when using a mobile phone. These values must be in accordance with given standards. Mobile phones have a mechanism for dynamic power control,
the purpose of which is to make sure that the device always emits the minimal power needed for the set communication quality. Little do we know that in spaces where people usually are, the level of electromagnetic field produced by mobile phones is higher than the level of electromagnetic field produced by base stations, because phones are kept close to the body when they are used. Whereas on the other hand, the human body is never directly exposed to the electromagnetic field of a base station’s antennas, because the antennas are always installed high above the ground and the strength of electromagnetic field rapidly drops when one moves away from its source.
Electromagnetic fields spectrum
non-ionizing radiation
trunk
computer
fm radio
Ionizing radiation
mobile phone satellite remote sun and BTS connection controller radiation
solarium
roentgen radiation
radioactive radiation
radio waves very low frequencies
microwaves
frequency in herz
Energy of electromagnetic wave increases with frequency
infrared light
visible light
ultarviolet light
x ray
gamma rays
Mobile network
Mobile communication networks are divided into spatial units called “cells”, and each cell is served by one base station. The system has been planned so that mobile phones do not lose their connection with the network when a customer moves from one cell to another. The greater the density of the base station network, the better the signal coverage of the territory, i.e. in such an environment mobile phones can work using less radiation power.
Mobile phones and base stations exchange radio waves which have electromagnetic features. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has released guidelines which determine the maximum levels of electromagnetic fields allowed in human environments. So far, no scientific study has shown that there are negative effects on human health if people are exposed to the levels of electromagnetic field which are below the reference levels.
Base stations
A base station consists of an equipment cabinet, an antenna tower and antenna. The typical dimensions of an antennal are 130x30x10cm. Base stations’ antennas have a narrowly directed radiation diagram, which means that the antenna emits a very small amount of energy beside, below, above or behind. Therefore, the fear of installing these antennas on the rooftops of apartment blocks is totally unjustified, because energy is emitted from a building into empty space. Further, the energy of radio waves is drastically reduced when one moves away from its source, i.e. antennas. Electromagnetic waves are additionally weakened by obstacles such as buildings or trees.
A mobile phone emits lower strength radiation when a base station is nearby as at this point it has a better network signal.
non-ionizing radiation
The typical strength of a base station varies from several watts to 100 watts. For the sake of comparison, many of us use light bulbs of the same strength in our homes.
Ionizing radiation
High values of field level are only in close proximity of antenna
Example of installations on the roof
Example of installations on the mast
To provide good coverage, base stations are built at a distance of several hundred meters from each other (depending on the type of equipment, terrain configuration and traffic). A well planned and built network of base stations provides maximum signal coverage, more effective functioning of mobile telephones
and minimal emissions required for the work of a certain mobile device. Therefore, a larger number of base stations provide a weaker output power of a mobile phone we use, lower battery consumption, and, since the phone is in physical contact with us, a lower SAR value as well.
Health care In its brochure “Electromagnetic fields and public health”, The World Health Organization discuses the relations between mobile non-ionizing radiation telephones and human health, and states: “In all research conducted so far, it has been concluded that the electromagnetic fields of mobile phones or their base stations do not have any harmful effect on health.”mobile phone satellite remote trunk
computer
fm radio
and BTS
the standards enforced in the EU, based on the recommendations of World Health Organization and ICNIRP, define that the maximum allowed Ionizing radiation level of electromagnetic field is 41 V/m for the general public, and even 90 V/m for technical staff, so it can be concluded that our regulations are much more rigorous than the rest of the world.
sun connection controller radiation
radio waves
solarium
roentgen radiation
radioactive radiation
Vip mobile and its base stations
How is the strength of electromagnetic x ray gamma very low microwaves infrared visible ultarviolet raysVip base frequenciesregulated in Serbia? light light electromagnetic light radiation The emissions of frequency in herz
The recently adopted Law on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection of the Republic of Serbia (May 2009) has introduced international standards for using sources of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, equipment for mobile communication (GSM) being one of them, in domestic regulations. In addition, this law imposes compulsory initial and control measurements of base stations’ impact on life and the technical environment. According to the decree of SFRY government from 1990 (Official Gazette 50/90, standard JUS N.NO.205), the maximum permissible level of electromagnetic field is 27.5 V/m. International standards and
stations are in line with the abovementioned limits, and our experts constantly keep up with all research and accept the opinions of eminent independent Serbian and international institutions. According to the law, before a base station starts operating, authorized independent institutes conduct control of the equipment and the level of electromagnetic field, and then make a report and submit it to Republic Agency for Telecommunications (RATEL). To measure emissions, Vip mobile also hires experts from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, the Faculty of Technical Sciences
In spaces where people may be typically found level of electromagnetic field is far lower than the law-prescribed values.
and the Institute of Nuclear Sciences - “Vinča”, who check whether the results are in accordance with the current laws and regulations, primarily those related to environmental protection. Also, where required by law, these institutions make complete environmental impact assessment studies. Where the studies have already been conducted, the results all show that the influence of base stations is far below legal norms. Vip mobile uses the equipment of reputable world producers, such as Alcatel Lucent, Nokia, Siemens and Ericsson. This equipment was produced according to the most rigorous global and European standards and has all attestations and certificates (EU and Republic Agency for Telecommunications). The equipment is regularly maintained and undergoes control measurements. The results of measuring by the independent institutions in our country
Given the growing interest of the public in building base stations and expanding the GSM network both in urban areas and in the less populated regions of Serbia, more and more often various tests and measurements are conducted near base stations. These measurements are performed by the previously mentioned reputable independent institutions. In recent years measurements have been carried out in more than 1,500 locations on the territories of Belgrade, Nis, Novi Sad and some 30-odd municipalities in Serbia. The measurements were carried out in houses
and flats in close vicinity of GSM base stations, and they were conducted for the so-called “worst-case scenario”, which means that the place with the strongest field was looked for. Even in these circumstances all the measured results were about 10 times lower than the reference values. Typically, the level of electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation in the surroundings of a base station does not exceed 1 V/m, regardless of whether the base station is on a rooftop or a tower. Since rooftops and buildings decrease the signal level by up to 10 times, the measured level of radiation in the rooms immediately beneath the roof is typically lower than 1 V/m. The legal limit in Serbia is 27.5 V/m (JUS), and elsewhere in the world it is 41 V/m (ICNIRP). The conclusion of experts is that mobile operators comply with domestic and international norms regarding exposure to electromagnetic emissions, i.e. they take care to ensure that emissions remain within the limits which do not endanger human health and the environment.
For further information: World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/en International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, http://www.icnirp.de/ EC Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks, http://ec.europa.eu/health/opinions2/en/ electromagnetic-fields/index.htm mobilkom austria, http://www.mobilkomaustria.com/en/environment
