The UK Health Protection Agency’s independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) says there’s still no convincing evidence that mobile phone technologies cause adverse effects on human health. It follows AGNIR’s previous review in 2003. The team looked at the scientific evidence on exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF fields), which includes mobile phone technologies,  WiFi, television and radio transmitters.

This 2012 report said there was no convincing evidence that RF field exposure below the internationally-agreed guideline levels applied in the UK caused health effects in adults or children.

Dr John Cooper, director of the HPA's Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, said “There has been considerable new scientific evidence published since the last AGNIR report in 2003, and this report further consolidates the evidence base on which the HPA issues its advice. The HPA’s position on mobile phone technologies is in line with the AGNIR’s findings. There is still no convincing scientific evidence that RF field exposures from mobile phones and other radio technologies affect human health at exposure levels below internationally agreed guidelines. However, as this is a relatively new technology, the HPA will continue to advise a precautionary approach and keep the science under close review. The HPA recommends that excessive use of mobile phones by children should be discouraged and mobile phone Specific Energy Absorption Rates (SAR) values should be clearly marked in the phone sales literature.”

In addition, the report notes that the presence of RF fields cannot be detected by people, including those who report being sensitive to RF fields.

[Report; HPA response]