Safety of Mobile Phones

From 1 April 2003 onwards, all mobile phones sold in Hong Kong have to comply with the international standard on the safety limits of radiofrequency (RF) radiation. The safety limits are quantified in terms of "Specific Absorption Rate" (SAR). Manufacturers, suppliers and dealers may voluntarily have their mobile phones type-approved to confirm their compliance with the SAR limits.

In order to help consumers make an informed choice and identify those mobile phones which are in compliance with the SAR limits, the Telecommunications Authority (TA) allows the manufacturers, suppliers and dealers to affix labels prescribed by the TA as shown below to their type-approved mobile phones on a voluntary basis. You may also check the list of type-approved models and their SAR values on OFTA's web site.

So far, there is no scientific evidence indicating that under the circumstance of normal usage, RF radiation of mobile phones will cause health hazards. Nevertheless, according to the Department of Health, it is advisable for children to avoid using mobile phones frequently. OFTA will continue to monitor closely the research findings of overseas organizations and the World Health Organization.