As Australians rely on mobile phones, digital devices and wireless networks more than ever before, it's natural to want reassurance that these technologies are safe.
The Exposure limits for Electromagnetic Energy (EME) factsheet explains how EME from telecommunications infrastructure in Australia is carefully regulated to protect the community.
In Australia, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) advises the government on safe exposure limits for EME from telecommunications. These limits are set out in the Standard for Limiting Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields - 100 kHz to 300 GHz (RPS S-1) (The Standard), which is based on extensive scientific research and international guidelines developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Importantly, there are no known adverse health effects from exposure to EME from telecommunications when operating below the exposure limits set out in The Standard.
The Standard is designed to protect people of all ages and health status against any known adverse health effects. Telecommunications infrastructure, including towers and small cells must operate well below the strict public exposure limits set out in the Standard. Devices such as mobile phones and tablets are also required to operate within these strict safety limits to ensure safe everyday use.
