Mobile phones and health

New technology raises new questions. For instance, about the implications of rolling out 5G. There were similar concerns with the introduction of 3G. Research into the potential effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), or radiation, from mobile networks has been going on for some time now.

A safe mobile network

We are aware of the concerns in society about EMF emitted by mobile networks. It is crucial that health concerns about 5G are addressed carefully. As a supplier of vital infrastructure, KPN guarantees a mobile network that is safe for people and the environment. As mobile technology and research into its effects are constantly evolving, it is important to keep a close eye on developments.

That is why we keep abreast of the scientific publications of leading bodies such as the Gezondheidsraad (Health Council of the Netherlands), Kennisplatform EMF (EMF Knowledge Platform) and the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). We comply with all the advisory guidelines and recommendations. We also provide data to scientists to support their research in the area of EMF and health. KPN acts immediately when the government updates standards or advisory guidelines based on new scientific information.

Transmission masts and antennas

To be able to offer mobile telephony and internet, KPN has a nationwide mobile network of transmission masts. For this purpose, we make use of licenses for frequencies allotted by the Dutch government. The signal between the transmission mast and the mobile phone is carried through the air by radio waves, which consist of an electromagnetic field. Mobile providers, including KPN, have reached agreement with the government about maximum radiation levels. These norms were revised in March of 2020 and are based on the latest scientific insights.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Broadly speaking, there are two types of electromagnetic fields: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. This distinction is important.

X-rays and gamma rays are examples of ionizing radiation. This contrasts with the non-ionizing radiation associated with all lowfrequency electromagnetic fields (between 10 kHz and 300 GHz). These radio-frequency fields are used for radio, television, mobile telephones and other appliances and have no ionizing effect.

Always well within the norm

Mobile phones and transmitter masts may not generate fields that exceed exposure limits. The ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) has determined the exposure limits for non-ionizing radiation. This commission consists of an international group of independent scientists.

In scientific research involving exposure to transmission signals below the exposure limits, no evidence of possible adverse health effects has been found. According to the ICNIRP, there is also no scientific evidence indicating that other effects (known as ‘non-thermal effects’) have an adverse effect on health.

The first ICNIRP guidelines were published in 1998 and adopted by the European Commission in 1999 in the form of a recommendation to all European Member States advocating adoption of these exposure limits in each State’s national legislation. In the Netherlands, these guidelines are specified in a covenant between the government and the mobile providers. The ICNIRP recently revised its guidelines based of scientific research. The Dutch government intends to incorporate these new guidelines in new legislation.

KPN always remains well within the exposure limits. The government checks this continuously as well. In the Netherlands, Agentschap Telecom measures the field strengths and the Antennebureau issues information on antennas and EMF. The information published by the Antennebureau (see below) indicates that the ICNIRP guidelines include a generous safety margin: the exposure limits defined by the ICNIRP are 50 times lower than the point at which thermal effects occur (maximum temperature increase of 1 °C).