Gezondheidseffecten van mobieletelefonie

The growth in the number of mobile phone-users and base stations has increased concern about possible health effects. The basic restrictions for exposure to radiofrequent radiation apply to the frequencies used for mobile telephony. To prevent a temperature increase of more than 1 degree Celsius these restrictions should not be exceeded. Measurements and calculations in phantoms have shown that these restrictions are not exceeded during use of the mobile phone. Sufficient measures are taken near base stations to prevent the basic restrictions being exceeded. Possible health effects can be divided into thermal, athermal and indirect. Thermal effects have been reported for GSM- and NMT-users, but no comparison was made with users of "regular" phones. Studies on athermal effects occasionally point towards a causal relationship between exposure and effects, but show several uncertainties and shortcomings. Indirect effects can be established by interference with electronic devices. People with pacemakers are advised to follow recommendations on safe use of the phone. In recent years, studies have also focused on aspecific symptoms like sleep disturbances, headaches and fatigue. Thus far, it can be concluded that no health hazard associated with the exposure to radiation from mobile phones and their base stations has been proven, provided that the basic restrictions are not exceeded.