The use of mobile phones always accompanied by the issue of health implications for human. Previous research studies show no evidence of the impacts of mobile phones to human health. New studies suggest that mobile radiation might double the risk of developing cancer on the side of the head used, increase brain activity, can cause damage to nerves around ears and, more importantly, damages the BBB. Also new research shows that biological effects are possible without any warming of tissues which impose of the current radiation exposure levels.
There are now about 1 Billion mobile phones in use worldwide, and it is expected to reach 1.6B lines by year 2005. In many countries, penetration rates of more than %50 has been reached. At present, there are approximately 4.5 million GSM subscribers in Saudi Arabia and STC has commissioned Ericsson and Nokia to expand its GSM network to 5.5 million lines (~ %20 penetration rate). This wide use of mobile technology have often raise the question about if there are health implications for human. In fact, there are conflicting reports relating to possible health effects from mobile phones and base stations.
In April 2000, an independent expert group in UK has issued a report on Mobile phone effects on health based on rigorous assessment of research in this area and show no evidence of the impact of mobile phones to human health. Since then a number of studies has been accomplished. This paper summarizes previous results. Then, the current efforts to assess health effects of mobile phones will be discussed and conclusions will be made.