The Competence Centre for Electromagnetic Fields

Whether at home, on the daily commute or in the workplace, we are exposed to numerous sources of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. For example, we come into contact with electric and magnetic fields from the public power supply or electric household appliances and with electromagnetic fields from sources such as mobile telephones on an everyday basis. But what effect do these fields have on their environment? Do the fields produced by power lines or mobile communications systems affect the health of local residents? And what impact can they have on the environment and on flora and fauna?

Answers to these questions must be collected and made available to the general public, and some of the questions call for further research. These activities are the responsibility of the Competence Centre for Electromagnetic Fields.

Who are we?

The Competence Centre for Electromagnetic Fields is part of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). In addition to pooling the BfS's expertise in relation to static and low-frequency electric and magnetic fields, as well as high-frequency electromagnetic fields, it seeks to intensify relevant research and communication activities. Here, the term "electromagnetic fields" is used as an umbrella term for electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields.

According to current scientific knowledge, no harmful effects on health are to be expected if the existing limit values are adhered to. However, as is always the case in science, a number of questions remain unanswered. Staff at the BfS work to tackle these questions by planning and implementing specific research projects.

We call for efforts to minimize exposure to electric and magnetic fields from power lines and for radiation protection issues to be considered during the expansion of the new generation of mobile communications, 5G.

We develop materials that serve as a source of comprehensive and neutral information for the population. In addition, we seek to train people to convey knowledge to the general public.

What do we do?

We collect and evaluate available research findings

In recent years, numerous researchers in Germany and abroad have studied health issues relating to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, such as those produced by power lines or mobile communications systems. We collect and challenge their research findings and evaluate the results they obtained. This provides us with an overview of available findings and possible contradictions in study results and allows us to clarify where further research is needed.

We initiate and support research

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection launched the research programme Radiation Protection in the Process of Power Grid Expansion in order to clarify scientific uncertainties regarding static and low-frequency electric and magnetic fields (especially those from power lines). As part of this programme, we deal with questions that require further research, such as:

• whether magnetic fields lead to a higher risk of leukaemia in children
• whether there is a link between magnetic fields and diseases of the nervous system
• whether corona ions in the vicinity of power cables present a health risk.

In relation to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (especially those associated with mobile communications), the BfS implemented the German Mobile Telecommunication Research Programme (DMF) from 2002 to 2008. This involved the completion of over 50 research projects on the topic of mobile radio fields in order to clarify outstanding questions relating to GSM and UMTS, which were the predominant generations of mobile communications technology used at the time.

To this day, the results provide a valuable basis for evaluating the possible impact of mobile communications in these frequency ranges. Current research focuses primarily on new technologies and applications, such as the new 5G mobile communications standard, and considers both the exposure of the population and possible health risks.

We bring people together

Since 2004, representatives of citizens, authorities, business and politics have met as part of the "Round Table on Electromagnetic Fields". The members of the Round Table meet regularly to discuss topics relating to electromagnetic fields and health, including power grid expansion, mobile communications, and other areas in which electromagnetic fields play an important role.

For example, previous sessions have focused on wi-fi in schools, electromobility, precautionary measures, and the clear communication of measurement results.

We are here for you

We stand available as an expert point of contact for evaluating forms of exposure to electromagnetic fields as well as potential health risks that affect not only the general public but also specialists. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions at events, by phone and by email.

We have plans for the future

The Competence Centre for Electromagnetic Fields is still in the setup phase. We are working to provide the general public with easier access to the latest insights into radiation protection with regard to electromagnetic fields. In order to reach a wider audience, there is a particular need to intensify communication activities on the ground. We therefore want to provide doctors, local authorities and other points of contact with a tool that allows them to deliver adequate information to members of the public.

What is the basis for our work?

The establishment of the Competence Centre was agreed by the then governing parties – the CDU, CSU and SPD – in their coalition agreement of March 2018. This decision was driven by the adoption of the energy transition policy, which is accompanied by the expansion and conversion of power grids in Germany. With the introduction of the new 5G mobile communications standard, the responsibilities of the Competence Centre were expanded to include high-frequency electromagnetic fields as another area in which to pool expertise and intensify communication activities.