Third Generation mobile phones and broadband technology innovations are generating more and more situations where users need to face radiation of electro-magnetic waves, not only at outdoors, but within homes and workplaces. Products have already appeared in the marketplace and I believe many more are emerging, for the purpose of:

-giving signals to operate devices at home (or called home automation) through the use of a 3G mobile phone

-wirelessly linking computers, TV sets and network components (monitors, modems, set-top boxes, servers, etc) at home to avoid the inconvenience and bad appearance of using physical wires

-wirelessly linking office automation components (scanners, printers, other input/output devices) to avoid the inconvenience and bad appearance of using physical wires

-etc.

However, critical thinkers will generate some questions in their search for answers:

-what could be the impacts of radiation generated by these new wireless links on human bodies?

-would wireless signals interfere the operation of devices installed at my place and neighbours'?

-have these innovative devices passed tests of relevant international bodies before they are allowed to appear in the marketplace?

-where can I find information or confirmation on whether devices I am about to use are safe and legal?

-would I break any law if I just buy/use a device highly recommended by a sales person?

In Hong Kong, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) has for many years used a method of sticking official labels on telecommunications devices. However, whether these labels are indication of product quality or a 'legal' device, I think most citizens are still very confused. Meanwhile, we can often see and buy all kind of devices that can generate radiation, with or without labels on them.

I believe that OFTA needs to do more work in this area of growing importance and concern. I also hope that policy makers will be more forward looking, to get rid of the bad image that they take corrective actions only when something goes wrong.

Dr Charles Lam

March 2001