The use of electronic appliances is steadily increasing. We now have not only television, radio and communications antennas, PCs and many other equipment is also in widespread use. The use of electronic communications equipment is growing rapidly. The mobile telephone is the most popular of these, with nearly one billion in use throughout the world, and sales of cordless versions of other communications appliances are also increasing. Completely cordless use of a PC in combination with other communications equipment is now possible.
The development of cordless electronic communications equipment is causing concern amongst users. There has been much discussion in the media of the supposed dangerous effects of mobile telephones and base stations. The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority may help to allay the concern:
"Based on present-day knowledge and recommended guidelines, the use of mobile telephones and other cordless telephones is not believed to involve any health hazard."
However, the increased use of cordless communications may result in an increase in the actual electromagnetic field strength surrounding each individual user. In the new offices it will be advisable to perform measurements of the electromagnetic field.
Even though no negative health effects have been proven to date, we do not know the long-term effects. How will 30-40 years of cordless communication affect us? Therefore it is important in any case to follow the recommended precautions for the use of mobile telephones, such as the use of "handsfree" equipment and external antennas on cars, and avoiding unnecessarily long calls.
Based on widespread and intensive research in recent years, a good deal of interesting material on the use of mobile telephones and other cordless communications has become available on the Internet. To date, more than 6000 scientific articles on the subject have been published internationally. We recommend the websites of the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority and the World Health Organisation for more information on the subject.
