Research reports and evaluations on topics related to mobile communications

On this page you may find research reports and evaluations of the BfS on various topics related to mobile communications.

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From cancer to reproduction: How the WHO uses systematic reviews to assess the risk of mobile communications, Wi-Fi, and the like

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been investigating the effects of electromagnetic fields on health for decades. Many new research articles have prompted WHO to update its risk assessment. As a basis for re-evaluation, the WHO commissioned international teams of scientists to conduct comprehensive systematic reviews. This article explains systematic reviews and examines the health effects the WHO is investigating.

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Mobile communications, WiFi, and the like – Evaluation of the SCHEER Opinion 2023

In April 2023, SCHEER published its statement on high-frequency electromagnetic fields, which are also used for communication technologies with mobile radio, WLAN or Bluetooth. The abbreviation SCHEER stands for Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks. SCHEER is an independent scientific committee that advises the European Commission on consumer safety, public health and the environment. Here you can find the BfS assessment of the SCHEER opinion.

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Decision against a German COSMOS study

COSMOS (Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health) is an international population-based cohort study. The study investigates the possible health effects of long-term use of cell phones and other wireless devices that use radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Whether participation in COSMOS makes sense was again assessed by the BfS in 2022 by means of a detailed internal and external review.

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STOA report "Health Impact of 5G"

In July 2021, the STOA report "Health Impact of 5G" was published. The abbreviation STOA stands for Scientific Technology Options Assessment. This is a committee of the European Parliament that deals with the scientific evaluation of technologies and their consequences. You can find the BfS assessment of the STOA report here.

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Studies on cancers in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations

The suspicion that high-frequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations can have adverse health effects, such as cancer, continues to make the headlines. Studies observing such a relationship exhibit methodological weaknesses and fail to take account of, for example, the most important risk factors for cancer (age, gender, smoking, diet, etc.). Carefully conducted studies have so far failed to identify a relationship.

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INTERPHONE study finds no increased tumour risk due to mobile phone use – BfS sees further research needs

Initial results from the INTERPHONE study on the possible long-term effects of mobile phone use were published in 2010 and 2011. According to the evaluation, no evidence was found of an increased risk of brain tumours or tumours of the auditory nerve due to mobile phone use. The study therefore corroborates the results of the German Mobile Telecommunication Research Programme (DMF), which was carried out by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). The DMF had shown that there was no evidence of a harmful effect of mobile communications within the applicable limit values.

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Does the use of mobile phones affect male fertility?

The question whether high-frequency electromagnetic fields, such as occur for example during mobile phone calls, affect male fertility has been the subject of numerous national and international studies. The BfS summarises and evaluates the results.

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Danish Cohort Study on Mobile Phone Use and Cancer

The increasing use of mobile phones raises questions about possible adverse health effects, especially about cancer in the head (e.g. brain tumours, eye tumours, acoustic neuroma), as the exposure to electromagnetic fields is highest in this area. Many epidemiological studies on this topic lack validity due to short observation periods (time between first use of a mobile phone and possible cancer diagnosis) and small sample sizes. In Denmark a cohort study relating to this subject was conducted.

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Report by the German Government on research results related to the options for lowering the emission from mobile communication technology and to possible health risks

The German Government monitors and accompanies the political and scientific discussion on the possible health risks of electromagnetic fields with great interest. In 2001 it set forth precautionary measures in the field of mobile telecommunication systems, which has intensified research in this field.

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