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The research programme

The limit values set in the Federal Immission Control Act (26th BImSchV) provide protection against all established health risks from static and low-frequency electric and magnetic fields posed by electricity lines. However, there are scientific indications for potential health effects below existing limit values and other open questions that have to be addressed in the research programme "Radiation Protection in the Process of Power Grid Expansion".

Currently, there is no satisfactory explanation for the statistical association between the exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia observed in several studies. Indications of an association between exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields and the occurrence of degenerative diseases of the nervous system (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/ALS, Alzheimer's dementia) cannot be finally assessed at present either. In the case of HVDC overhead lines, especially questions about an increased perception or perceptibility of electric fields and questions about a possibly enhanced effect of corona ions cannot be answered satisfactorily with current scientific knowledge.

Research is aimed at reducing uncertainties in risk assessment

In order to reduce scientific uncertainties in risk assessment and to be able to answer open questions, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) will conduct an accompanying research programme "Radiation Protection in the Process of Power Grid Expansion". 36 individual research projects in eight topic areas altogether will be conducted.

Projects for determining the current state of scientific knowledge and also contributing to the specification of research questions for further projects such as workshops and literature reviews, have either already started, have been conducted or are planned for the near future.

Projects in the research programme "Radiation protection in the expansion of the power grid"
ongoing projects-
1.2.b Meta-analysis of studies on the connection between exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: main study
1.8. Influence of low-frequency magnetic fields of the power supply on sleep and the concentration of β-amyloid in humans
2.2. Effect and perception thresholds of static electric fields
2.5. Perception thresholds of static and low-frequency electric fields in people who describe themselves as electrohypersensitive, as well as their clinical characteristics
6.4. Measurements of the absorption of ionised particles on lung phantoms
7.1. Developing and refining dosimetric models for exposure analysis and assessmeng
7.2. Recording the exposure of the general public to magnetic fields
7.4.a Testing, further development, and validation of novel measurement technology for static and low-frequency electric and magnetic fields
8.2b Second survey to determine the level of concern among the population (2022)
9.1. Evaluative literature study on the influence of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on oxidative processes in humans and in animal and laboratory studies
completed projects-
1.2.a Feasibility study of a pooled analysis of an association between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and exposure to magnetic fields (MF)
1.3. International Workshop on the association between neurodegenerative diseases and exposure to magnetic fields– State of knowledge and research perspectives
2.1. International Workshop on the effect and perception thresholds of static and low-frequency magnetic and electric fields and contact currents in humans
3.3.a Interdisciplinary study to investigate a relationship between environmental, genetic factors and leukaemia in B-cell ALL patients – feasibility study
3.4. Investigations of the occurrence of leukaemia in suitable animal models
3.5. Investigations of the immune status of animal models exposed to magnetic fields
3.7. International Workshop on the current state of research on the aetiology of childhood leukaemia
6.1. Evaluative literature review of the occurrence and the propagation of corona ions
8.1. Workshop on various aspects of communication in the process of power grid expansion
8.2a First survey to determine the level of concern among the population (2018)
8.3.a Review of presentation formats for measurement results of low-frequency fields and their importance for risk communication
8.5. Investigating the possibilities of local authorities (public health departments, medical officers and immission control authorities) as disseminators for risk communication in the process of power grid expansion
8.6. Evaluation of risk communication measures
10.1. International workshop on the influence of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on the living environment
Planned projects-
1.4. Effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on the development and progression of ALS in animal models (in vivo)
1.5. Effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on the development and course of Alzheimer’s dementia in animal models (in vivo)
1.6. Mechanisms of action of low-frequency magnetic fields in the development of ALS in cell cultures (in vitro)
1.7. Mechanisms of action of low-frequency magnetic fields in the development of Alzheimer’s dementia in cell cultures (in vitro)
2.3. Effect and perception thresholds of contact currents and spark discharges in the case of high-voltage direct current and high-voltage alternating current
2.4. Effects on the central and peripheral nervous system as a result of low-frequency electric fields induced in the body
3.1. Pooling study to investigate associations between childhood leukaemia and combined exposure to magnetic fields and low-level ionising radiation
3.3.b Interdisciplinary study to investigate a correlation between environmental and genetic factors and leukaemia in B-cell ALL patients – pilot study
3.8. Involvement in a national birth or mother and child cohort
3.9. Case-control study on childhood leukaemia and low-frequency magnetic fields from traction current installations
5. Epidemiological study on the association between exposure to magnetic fields and an increased risk of miscarriage
6.2. Detection and propagation of corona ions in the surroundings of overhead power lines
6.3. Numerical calculation of the absorption of ionised particles by the lung
7.3. Investigations of the occurrence of spark discharges and contact currents
8.3.b Investigation of the effect of on-site exposure measurements on risk perception as well as the credibility of and trust in state authorities and grid operators
8.4. Investigation of the role of authorities at event
8.7. Investigation of opinion formation
cancelled-
1.1. Meta-analysis of the association between neurodegenerative diseases and exposure to magnetic fields
3.2. Pooled analysis of childhood leukaemia and exposure to magnetic fields
3.6. Participation or involvement in international consortia dealing with the causes of childhood leukaemia
4. Investigations of the co-carcinogenicity of exposure to magnetic fields
State of 2024.09.20

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