DTI Report on Mobile Phone Radiation Shields

10 April 2002

The balance of evidence to date suggests that mobile phones operating within international guidelines do not cause adverse health effects.

In line with the new harmonised testing standards, SAR values have become available for all new models from the 1st October last year, confirming they comply with the international health exposure guidelines.

The World Health Organisations says:

"Scientific evidence does not indicate any need for RF-absorbing covers or other "absorbing devices" on mobile phones. They cannot be justified on health grounds and the effectiveness of many such devices in reducing RF exposure is unproven."

The WHO has stated that if people are still concerned, they can make a personal choice to reduce their exposure to radio waves by using a hands free kit.

For technical reasons, mobile manufacturers recommend that if a hands free kit is used it should be the one recommended by the manufacturers.