Wireless communications and health

Wireless devices send and receive information using radio-frequency (RF) energy transmitted as waves through the air. Questions have been raised about the safety of RF energy from mobile phones, base stations, two-way radios and other RF emitting devices.

Research into RF energy effects stretches back more than 50 years. More recently, ongoing research has been coordinated to follow the agenda set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Numerous expert panels and government organizations around the world conducting ongoing reviews of the science, including the WHO, have consistently concluded that RF products that meet internationally recognized safety standards for exposure to radio waves pose no known health risk.

In August 2009, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) published a statement after a comprehensive, multi-year review of several national and international research programs involving wireless communications technologies. ICNIRP concluded:

”…the scientific literature published since the 1998 guidelines has provided no evidence of any adverse effects below the basic restrictions and does not necessitate an immediate revision of its guidance on limiting exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields”

All our products comply with international safety guidelines for RF energy exposure and national standards where applicable. The type of RF measurement under these requirements is called specific absorption rate (SAR). The guidelines and standards set SAR levels that provide a wide margin of protection for users and the general public. We publish SAR values for all mobile phones.

We conduct research and support independent studies to increase scientific knowledge about the safety of RF energy. Learn more about research into RF and health.

If you have additional questions, please contact Motorola's Wireless Communications and Health team at: rfhealth@motorola.com

Mobile phones and children

Studies and polls show that many parents feel more secure knowing their children have mobile phones, but some have questioned whether health risks may exist.

The WHO, the Health Council of the Netherlands, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Ireland Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields and others in the scientific community have stated there is no health-related reason or scientific justification to limit the use of mobile phones by children.

The WHO provides the following advice in its factsheet on mobile phones and their base stations: "Present scientific evidence does not indicate the need for any special precautions for the use of mobile phones. If individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children's RF exposure by limiting the length of calls or by using 'hands-free' devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body."

Our products adhere to internationally recognized science-based guidelines that take into account the welfare of all members of the population, including children.