Communicating with microwaves

Mobile phones communicate with their base stations using low-intensity microwave radiation. Microwaves can be used to transmit information over large distances, although some areas have poor signals. The use of mobile phones means people are exposed to microwave radiation in two ways:

• to the head from the aerial in the phone
• to the body from transmitters in base station masts

Mobile phone use

There are limits to the amount of microwave radiation that can be emitted by mobile phones. This Specific Absorption Rate - SAR - should not be more than 2 watts per kilogram.

Microwaves from the phone can penetrate body tissues to a depth of a few centimetres. They are absorbed, and give up their energy to body tissues. This can cause a small amount of heating, about 0.1°C - much less than if you were standing in sunshine.

There is no conclusive evidence that mobile phones and masts can damage your health. But because millions of people use mobiles, many local authorities believe it is sensible to advise the public to take precautions, just in case.

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