Our ref: DE00000436318

 

Dear Mr Casey

Thank you for your email of 5 August asking for information about safety data is their in relation to Mobile Telecommunications masts.  We are replying in accordance with the Environmental Information Regulations.

We do not hold information on safety data or electromagnetic emissions or exposures from individual telecommunications base stations (masts).  However there is a lot of related information that is already in the public domain.

All mobile phone base stations are designed to comply with international guidelines on limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields, including radio signals from mobile phone masts.  These International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection guidelines can be found at: http://www.icnirp.de/PubEMF.htm

In an audit of more than 500 base stations, since 2001, electromagnetic exposures have consistently been a long way below the guidelines.  The findings are available on the Ofcom Sitefinder website www.ofcom.org.uk/sitefinder/.  The public can apply for measurements around base stations to be carried out free of charge.  You might therefore wish to contact Ofcom directly through the website.

For further information, the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) Radiation Protection Division continues to monitor the worldwide scientific published research on health effects of electromagnetic fields and radiation.  More detailed information about specific areas of concern can be found on the HPA website www.hpa.org.uk, and in particular for base stations at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733767890?p=1158934607786 

Information on planning of mast installations and requirements regarding compliance with international guidelines can be found on the Department of Communities and Local government website at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planning/planningpolicyguidance/telecommunicationsdevelopment/planningpolicyguidance8/

Further information on mobile phones and telecommunications masts is available on the Department of Health website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthprotection/DH_4069598 . 

I hope that this information is helpful.  If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within 40 working days of the date of receipt of the response to your original letter and should be addressed to:
 
Head of the Freedom of Information Team
Department of Health
Room 317
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2NS
  
Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xxx.xx

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Department.  The ICO can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Yours sincerely

 

Colin McDonald
FOI Casework Advisor
Central Briefing Hub