Health and Safety Fact Sheet 3G

What is 3G?

3G stands for third generation, and is a collection of international standards and technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and improving the performance of mobile wireless networks. 3G wireless services offer enhancements such as greater data speeds, increased capacity for voice and data and the advent of packet data networks versus today s switched networks.

3G is a generic term covering a range of wireless network technologies, including WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution). 3G combines high-speed mobile access with Internet Protocol (IP) based services.

What research has been undertaken?

The use of radio waves has been the subject of scientific research spanning more than 50 years. In that time, a wide variety of frequencies as well as modulations have been studied to determine whether there is any impact on our health. This large and growing body of research has been constantly reviewed by numerous independent scientific expert panels, government agencies, standard-setting organizations and health authorities from around the world. All have reached the same general scientific conclusion: that there is no established evidence of any adverse health effects from exposure to radio waves within the limits applied to mobile communications systems.

Are there safety limits for exposure to radio waves?

Yes there are. It is worth remembering that the use of radio waves is a common part of our everyday lives and bring us the benefits and enjoyment of television, radio and mobile phones. From the research that has been undertaken, safety limits have been established to provide protection for all members of our society - from the young to the very old.

These standards, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other authorities around the world, establish exposure limits based on extensive reviews of all available scientific evidence and include substantial margins of safety to protect both users and the public. Member companies of the Mobile Manufacturers Forum test their products to assure their adherence to these rigorous safety standards.