Mobile devices are transforming the way we live, work and communicate. They help change people’s lives for the better by creating access to services and enabling economic development.

Mobile devices and the masts that make them work operate well within guideline safety limits. According to the World Health Organization and others, there is no evidence to convince experts that the use of mobile devices and the masts that make them work carries health risks.

But some people are still concerned. Our vision is to lead the industry in responding to public concerns regarding mobile devices, masts and health by demonstrating leading edge practices and encouraging others to follow.

Research continues into mobile devices, masts and health. Our approach to managing health issues is based on all available scientific evidence, to ensure we safeguard our customers, employees and the public.

This section of our website explains how mobiles work, answers commonly asked questions and contains up-to-date scientific opinions.

In May 2011, an expert group from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialist agency within the World Health Organization (WHO), announced its cancer hazard assessment for radiofrequency signals (RF), including those from broadcast, mobile communications, microwaves and radar.

IARC has classified RF as "€œpossibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use"€. The full findings are expected in 2012.

In an article published in The Lancet Oncology Volume 12, Issue 7, the IARC Working Group stated that: "The Working Group concluded that there is "limited evidence in humans€" for the carcinogenicity of RF-EMF ... A few members of the Working Group considered the current evidence in humans "inadequate" ... up to now, reported time trends in incidence rates of glioma have not shown a parallel to temporal trends in mobile phone use".

Commenting on the findings, Dr Jack Rowley, GSM Association Director for Research and Sustainability said "The IARC classification suggests that a hazard is possible but not likely"€.

To understand the potential level of risk, the IARC classification will be part of a wider health risk assessment undertaken by the WHO. Based on this assessment the WHO, governments and public health authorities will decide what further advice, if any, is needed.

The latest WHO fact sheet, published in June 2011, concluded that to date no adverse health effects had been established as being caused by mobile phone use. Read a summary of advice from the WHO.

We recognise that people may be concerned by this classification and we continue to offer advice on reducing exposure.

For further information on IARC classification please visit:

IARC Explained: http://www.emfexplained.info/?ID=25717

IARC monographs: http://monographs.iarc.fr/

Read more about how scientists carry out their research and reach their findings.