Select your local site for Vodafone products, services and customer support
The vast majority of experts agree that mobile devices do not produce enough RF energy to cause long-term changes in the body.
Based on thousands of scientific studies, the World Health Organization (WHO) concludes in its factsheet Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile phones, published in June 2011, that “no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use”. Read more about the WHO conclusions and recommendations on the use of mobile devices.
In May 2010, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published the first combined findings from all study centres of the Interphone study, a major piece of research into the possible health effects of mobile devices.The study observed no overall increase in the risk of glioma or meningioma (tumours of the head) from the use of mobile devices. This is consistent with expert reviews of the large body of existing research. While Interphone researchers reported that there may be an increased risk of glioma at the highest exposure levels, they discussed limitations in the study which prevent them from stating a causal link. IARC recommends further investigation into long-term heavy use of mobile devices.
The UK National Health Service reports that Interphone does not provide evidence that mobile phones cause cancer:
"While there is a need for further research into longer-term mobile phone use, this study certainly does not support the clear-cut claims of some newspapers that “talking for 30 minutes a day” increases the risk of brain tumours."
The International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has issued guideline limits for the level of exposure to RF fields, including from mobile devices. These are based on published scientific findings and include a safety margin. We require mobile manufacturers to test that all the devices we sell meet the guidelines. SAR values for Vodafone branded devices are available here.
The WHO states that: “To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use”.
However, if they would like to, people can reduce their exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic (RF) fields using information provided by the WHO:
"In addition to using "hands-free" devices, which keep mobile phones away from the head and body during phone calls, exposure is also reduced by limiting the number and length of calls. Using the phone in areas of good reception also decreases exposure as it allows the phone to transmit at reduced power.”
Having a mobile device can improve children’s personal security, as they can maintain contact with their parents and get help in emergencies. We acknowledge that some parents fear their children’s health may be affected by using mobile devices. We aim to give parents the information they need to make an informed decision. Parents may choose to balance their children’s access to and use of mobile devices with the security benefits.
As mobile technology continues to advance, many mobile devices now use RF fields to provide a wireless connection. The ICNIRP guidelines apply to both current technologies and future technologies. We support government and independent monitoring of RF fields from all mobile technologies and apply government and industry guidelines on their use as required.
Read our answers to some of the common questions asked about mobile phones, masts and health:
Are mobile devices and masts safe?
Why do we need masts?
If the scientific evidence says devices and masts are safe, why are there still high levels of public concern?
What if I am still concerned?
What is Vodafone doing to address the public’s concerns?
