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WHO 1 Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile phones Page 2 of 4 accessing the Internet, or using a "hands free" device —will therefore have a much lower exposure to radiofrequency fields than someone holding the handset against their head. In addition to using "hands- free" devices, which keep mobile phones away from the head and body during phone calls, exposure is also reduced by limiting the number and length of calls. Using the phone in areas of good reception also decreases exposure as it allows the phone to transmit at reduced power. The use of commercial devices for reducing radiofrequency field exposure has not been shown to be effective. Mobile phones are often prohibited in hospitals and on airplanes, as the radiofrequency signals may interfere with certain electro- medical devices and navigation systems. Are there any health effects? A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use. Short-term effects Tissue heating is the principal mechanism of interaction between radiofrequency energy and the human body. At the frequencies used by mobile phones, most of the energy is absorbed by the skin and other superficial tissues, resulting in negligible temperature rise in the brain or any other organs of the body. A number of studies have investigated the effects of radiofrequency fields on brain electrical activity, cognitive function, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure in volunteers. To date, research does not suggest any consistent evidence of adverse health effects from exposure to radiofrequency fields at levels below those that cause tissue heating. Further, research has not been able to provide support for a causal relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields and self - reported symptoms, or "electromagnetic hypersensitivity ". Long -term effects Epidemiological research examining potential long -term risks from radiofrequency exposure has mostly looked for an association between brain tumours and mobile phone use. However, because many cancers are not detectable until many years after the interactions that led to the tumour, and since mobile phones were not widely used until the early 1990s, epidemiological studies at present can only assess those cancers that become evident within shorter time periods. However, results of animal studies consistently show no increased cancer risk for long -term exposure to radiofrequency fields. Several large multinational epidemiological studies have been completed or are ongoing, including case - control studies and prospective cohort studies http: / /www. who. int/ mediacentre /factsheets /fs193 /en/ 2/3/2012 8