1. Responding to Consumers – An Overview of Industry Actions

2. Outline of Presentation
Background to the MMF
Manufacturers general approach
EMF background
Our starting point
Support for research, regulation and standards
Efforts to improve communication
Overview of manufacturers initiatives
SAR reporting
Conclusion

3. Background to the MMF
International association of radio equipment manufacturers
Representing around 80% of global handset sales; and
The providers of the majority of global network infrastructure
Association's focus: EMF and health
With particular emphasis on supporting research
Related areas of activity: standards and regulatory harmonisation and public communications

4. Why the controversy? EMF’s are intangible
Issues of Choice vs. No Choice
Confusion based on inaccurate media reporting on research
Many effects are not repeatable, but they generate controversies and focus on single studies
Confusion over ‘uncertainty’
Scientific Issues
Inadequate attention to engineering and biological details

5. Common misunderstandings
No single piece of research can provide a definitive answer
Weight of evidence - all evidence considered as a whole
Can’t prove a negative – i.e. there is no way to prove something does not cause effects

6. Overview of our response

7. Our Starting Point Independent Expert Reviews Website Reference
National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB):
1993, 1999,
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP): 1996,
Royal Society of Canada: 1999,
UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones
(IEGMP – Stewart Report):
Health Council of the Netherlands: 2000, 2002,
French Expert Group (‘Zmirou’): 2001,
Spain – Campos electromagnéticos y salud pública
(Comité de Expertos Independientes):
German Commission for Radiation Protection (SSK)
European Committee on Toxicology, Eco-toxicology
and the Environment (CSTEE): 2001,
Swedish Radiation Protection Authority (SSI) 2002,
Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority

8. Why more research?
A more complete scientific database leads to more definitive assessments by public health authorities which, in turn, increases public confidence in our products
To accomplish this, the MMF's research program is focussed on addressing the recommendations of the WHO Research Agenda

10. Independence of Research
MMF Research Principles
WHO Agenda as framework
Funding in co-operation with government or other third parties
No more than 50% industry funding
Independent project management
Government research quality standards eg GLP
All results are published in peer-reviewed journals

11. Regulatory & Standards Approach
Support a regulatory approach that balances the science as well as the political, community and industry interests.
Support adoption of ICNIRP exposure guidelines
Emphasis on responsible communications and voluntary initiatives of industry in addition to science-based standards

12. 10X reduction 50X reduction
10X Safety
Margin
50X Safety
Margin

13. Improving Communication
Continual effort to review and improve industry communications
Manufacturers own websites, MMF website
Print and Web-based interactive media
Development of public E-learning Modules
Broad stakeholder engagement to identify and address issues at national level
Organisation of media and political briefings with focus on independent advice

14. Example: SAR Reporting
Industry responded to interest in obtaining SAR values for mobile phones.
Global application, information available in product documentation and on web
The result: around 300 million users now are automatically provided with SAR information.

15. Conclusions
While the weight of science is clear - manufacturers strive to be open and responsive to consumer questions through:
Supporting regulation and standards based on ICNIRP recommendations
Supporting quality research that strengthens public health policy and public confidence
Improving our communications that address community & consumer issues
As a result, we believe that consumers can continue to enjoy the benefits that mobile telephony provides.

16. Further Information
Michael Milligan Secretary General Mobile Manufacturers Forum Diamant Building, 80 Blvd. A. Reyers B-1030 Brussels Belgium Tel: Fax: Mobile: