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Research on mobile communications

At both the national and international level, researchers have been investigating the possible health effects of high-frequency electromagnetic fields generated by mobile communications for many decades. The results of this research form the technical basis for the limit values intended to protect the population that have been regulated by law since 1998. The BfS continuously reviews the protective effect of the limit values and follows up on indications of health-relevant effects below the limit values with further research. One research focus is on new technological developments, including the current 5th mobile phone generation (5G). From 2002 to 2008, the BfS conducted the comprehensive DMF in order to clarify open questions on possible effects of mobile communication on brain performance, sensory organs, well-being, and many other endpoints. On the following pages, we will discuss the various research projects on mobile communications as well as the results of the DMF.

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Electromagnetic fields The living environment

The living environment – this includes animals, plants, and ecosystems – is also exposed to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. It is assumed that the limit values established to protect humans also provide sufficient protection for the environment. However, fields could also exert effects via perception or depending on the body size of the animals.

more2022.12.07

Electromagnetic fields Fertility

Many studies have investigated the possible influence of high-frequency fields on human fertility. So far, no negative effect of high-frequency fields on fertility has been proven. However, many studies are of poor quality or have partly contradictory results. The BfS therefore aims to analyse these studies in detail and carry out an overall assessment, taking into account the quality of the individual studies.

more2023.11.27

Electromagnetic fields Smart Cities

Because of technological progress, the exposure of the population to the electromagnetic fields of mobile communication is subject to constant change. Existing mobile networks and wireless network access technologies will be supplemented or partially replaced by technologies of the fifth generation of mobile communications (5G). The overall exposure of the population is not expected to increase by any considerable amount. However, because the emission data can be collected only after the complete introduction of 5G, from a radiation protection perspective, it would be useful to estimate how the total exposure of the general population will develop.

more2023.12.06

Electromagnetic fields 5G frequencies in the centimetre and millimetre wave range

For the fifth generation of mobile communications (5G), much higher frequency ranges (above 20 GHz) will be used. In this frequency range, we also speak of the centimetre or millimetre wave range. Based on current scientific knowledge, the BfS does not expect any negative effects in this frequency range. However, the biological effects of electromagnetic fields in these ranges have received relatively little attention. From a radiation protection point of view, there is therefore a need for further research.

more2024.09.20

Electromagnetic fields Brain activity, sleep, and cognitive performance

Several research projects on different groups of test subjects showed physiological effects of electromagnetic fields on the sleep EEG (electroencephalogram). However, from the perspective of the EEG experts, these effects did not mean any impairment of sleep or cognition. Differences between the individual experimental groups (e.g. between older and younger individuals or between men and women) still need to be analysed and evaluated in a statistically robust manner.

more2023.12.06

Electromagnetic fields Incidence of glioma and mobile phone use

The aim of the project which was carried out on behalf of the BfS/BMUV was to compare the temporal development of the incidence of new cases of glioma, a certain type of brain tumour, with the development of mobile phone use between 1979 and 2016. It was also to be examined whether the assumption of an increased risk of glioma as a result of mobile phone use is compatible with the course of the frequency of new glioma cases that actually occurred.

more2023.12.07

Electromagnetic fields Determination of exposure taking into account current mobile phone antenna technology

Modern mobile communications networks use antennas that can change their radiation characteristics electronically and adapt them as needed. Although suitable measurement methods are available in principle, the determination of emission contributions from base stations with these radiation characteristics nevertheless presents a metrological challenge. For a reliable determination of the emission and exposure contributions, new measurement strategies must be developed.

more2023.12.06

Electromagnetic fields Smart phone application for estimating exposure

Exposure monitoring of high-frequency electromagnetic fields should clarify to what extent new technological developments contribute to a change or possible increase in individual exposure. With conventional methods, the implementation of area-wide monitoring would not be possible because of the effort involved. This could be remedied by a crowdsourcing-based approach that relies on the collection of measurement data using standard smart phones.

more2023.12.06

Electromagnetic fields Oxidative stress

For many years, oxidative stress has been postulated as a possible mechanism of action of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields. However, there is no scientific proof of this because the results from scientific studies are quite inconsistent in terms of their quality and informative value. In order to assess the relevance of oxidative stress from a radiation protection perspective, a detailed review and evaluation of the scientific literature is necessary.

more2023.12.06

Electromagnetic fields Mobile phone conflicts

The introduction of 5G is accompanied by numerous protests because part of the population fears effects on people and the environment. The introduction of the previous mobile phone generations also led to protests from the population. These are to be analysed in order to be taken into account in the (risk) communication on 5G.

more2023.12.06

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