benefits of global harmonization of rf standards – an industry perspective by jack rowley

© GSM Association 2014

J. Rowley, November 2014

Benefits of Global Harmonization of RF

Standards – An industry Perspective

Jack Rowley, PhD,

Senior Director Research & Sustainability

GSM Association

SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

HEALTH & SAFETY ASPECTS OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

17th November 2014, The Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

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Successful harmonisation

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Harmonisation benefits everyone

Consumers:

– International standards.

– Greater choice of products.

– Reduces waste.

Industry:

– Access to global markets.

– Reduces costs of compliance testing.

– Promotes innovation.

Government:

– Reduced barriers to trade.

– Mutual recognition of conformance testing.

– Increased access to ICT products and services.

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Harmonised RF standards recommended by WHO

…similar level of health

protection for all people…

Large disparities...can foster

confusion for regulators and

policy makers, increase public

anxiety…

Will more conservative limits be

a barrier to the introduction of

new technologies…?

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WHO and ITU recommend ICNIRP limits

‘...endorses the guidelines of the

International Commission on Non-

Ionizing Radiation Protection

(ICNIRP) and encourages Member

States to adopt these international

guidelines...'

WHO Standards and Guidelines

‘If such limits do not exist, or if they

do not cover the frequencies of

interest, then ICNIRP limits

(Appendix I) should be used'

4

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Possible reasons to adopt other RF limits

Additional health protection?

Reduce typical RF exposure levels?

Reduce public concern?

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Network exposures not related to regulatory limit

Netherlands

GSM900 limit (ICNIRP) = 41 V/m

Measured average = 0.38 V/m

Belgium

GSM900 limit = 3 V/m

Measured average = 0.93 V/m

Wout et al., 2012.

9.5% of limit 0.01% of limit

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SAR limit is of limited relevance for real-

use exposure

SAR tests under

laboratory

conditions.

Adaptive power

control in use.

Technology more

important than

limit value.

Model Ear Face SMS 2G 3G

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Precautionary Measures = Increased Concern

Study conducted in Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Germany, The

Netherlands, South Africa, UK and USA.

– Dr Rajesh Shukla (National Council of Applied Economic Research, Delhi)

Base station information

Precautionary limits

Protect sensitive areas

Minimise exposure

Wiedemann, 2011

All precautionary measures increased concern.

More concern ► ◄ Less concern

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Public RF limits – mobile devices

http://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/mobile-and-health/devices-map

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Public RF limits – mobile networks

http://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/mobile-and-health/networks-map

‘Other’ limits differ and lack consistent scientific rationale.

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Smart Cities and EMF

Adopt ICNIRP limits.

Adopt wireless antenna friendly policies.

Communicate based on WHO positions.

‘…The evidence to date suggests

exposures to the radio waves

produced by smart meters do not

pose a risk to health …’

- Public Health England (2012)

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Conclusions and Recommendations

Harmonisations of RF limits brings benefits for consumers, industry

and the public.

International limits are designed to be protective of all persons.

– Health status and environment considered when developing limits.

Consider the costs of persisting with non-harmonised RF exposure

limits.

Monitor international developments and be guided by science in

future reviews of limit values.

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Email:

health@gsma.com

Website:

www.gsma.com/health

Twitter:

@GSMAPolicy

Thank you