| Safety standards in telecommunications |
The telecommunications industry has been paying close attention to the risks associated with electromagnetic energy. A number of health concerns have been raised globally on potential exposure to electromagnetic energy emitted by mobile devices, tower infrastructure and base stations. While there is no substantiated evidence of public health risks from exposure to the levels of electromagnetic energy typically emitted from mobile devices, perceived health risks can be a concern for our customers, regulators and the general public.
Radiation emissions from base stations
Mobile base stations allow mobile phones to be connected for voice calls and data services via the transmission of radio frequency (RF) waves or electro-magnetic field (EMF). EMF and its possible impact on health is often discussed within the telecommunications industry. Since the 1990s, there has been a lot of research on EMF and we keep abreast of the latest developments and publications.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been active in promoting research and awareness of possible EMF health impact and states that a large number of scientific studies have been performed over the last 2 decades to assess potential health risks. They currently conclude that no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use to date[1].
[1] http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs193/en/
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In Singapore, the Radiation Protection & Nuclear Science Department (RPNSD), an office of the National Environment Agency, is responsible for all matters relating to
EMF exposure. According to RPNSD, the levels of mobile phone radiation permitted
in Singapore complies with the WHO recommended International Commission on
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standards and that radiation exposure
from base stations is far lower than that from mobile phones.
Current advice from RPNSD is that individuals can take precautionary measures to
reduce RF exposure to themselves by limiting the length of calls, or using handsfree
devices to keep the mobile phones away from the head and body. As a further
precaution, the authorities monitor the levels of RF exposure of base stations in
Singapore[2].
The radiation levels from Singtel’s mobile base stations are within the ICNIRP
acceptable limits and mobile phone handsets sold at our stores must comply with
regulatory guidelines set out by RPNSD and IDA.
[2] http://www.nea.gov.sg
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