Electromagnetic fields
Basics
Electromagnetic fields are part of our environment, as they occur wherever electricity flows. To assess the effects on "humans" as an object of protection, they are categorised according to their frequency.
Since the expansion of mobile phone networks, high-frequency electromagnetic fields and the question of possible health effects have been a particular focus of public attention. In Germany, the limit values specified in the 26th Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (26th BImSchV) apply to fixed transmitters. These are based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and are set on the basis of biological effect thresholds. This means that the available relevant scientific studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields on the human organism are regularly analysed.
In everyday life, the topic of low-frequency electromagnetic fields is primarily associated with power grids. When external electric or magnetic fields affect people, so-called body currents are generated in the body. To protect health, the 26th BImSchV, which was amended in August 2013, also sets corresponding limit values for these fields.
Mobile radio
In Germany, the statutory limits for mobile phones are 50 times lower than the biological effect threshold. This means that health protection can also be guaranteed for sensitive people such as the sick, children, pregnant women and senior citizens.
The German Mobile Telecommunication Research Programme (DMF) was carried out under the direction of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection to determine suspected risks from 2002 to 2008. A total of 54 scientific studies were carried out in which a health-relevant effect of radiofrequency fields could not be confirmed. Further information can be found on the website of the German Mobile Telecommunication Programme.
Location procedure
A site licence from the Federal Network Agency is required to operate a mobile phone base station with a transmission power of more than 10 W. This is issued on the basis of a special verification procedure. This is issued on the basis of a special verification procedure. The site certificates for existing mobile radio and other transmitters can be viewed on the Internet. The Federal Network Agency carries out random checks at regular intervals to ensure compliance with the limit values applicable in Germany.
Electromagnetic fields of mobile radio
Being able to make calls anywhere and at any time has become a matter of course. Mobile telephony is now part of our everyday lives. But how does mobile telephony work? How does it affect people? How can we protect ourselves from the effects of mobile phones? The video explains the basics of electromagnetic fields in mobile communications. It illustrates how mobile radio works - and gives tips for personal protection.
Mobile phone measurement
As a result of the administrative reform in 2008, the task of carrying out field strength measurements was transferred to the Chemnitz city administration from 1 August 2008, which was previously the responsibility of the Saxony State Directorate. Independently of this, the Federal Network Agency also carries out immission measurements. Individual measurements are carried out by the network operators themselves at the request of citizens.
In the city of Chemnitz, measurements have been taken at more than 110 immission points with regard to the impact of radio frequency systems, which can be attributed to requests from citizens, the interest of the network operators, the city administration or the TÜV measurement campaign. This means that a total of over 300 measurements have been taken to date, including multiple measurements at certain immission sites. Most of the measurement locations were in the immediate vicinity of a mobile phone base station. When determining the measuring points, day-care centres or private living spaces such as living rooms, children's rooms or bedrooms were often chosen, as these rooms are intended for longer stays. During the measurements, care was taken to ensure that the measurement results reflected the highest exposure levels. The measurement period, including the collection of data, extends from 2001 to the present day. The results show that the strength of the high-frequency electromagnetic fields in the city of Chemnitz is low and well below the limit values. The IZMF offers a clear way of simulating electromagnetic fields from mobile phone transmitters.
The mobile phone network can be viewed on the following portal of the Federal Network Agency:
Mobile networks are currently being converted to the 5G standard. This will enable very stable and also very fast data connections. You can find up-to-date information on this under the link above. Further questions and answers about the 5G expansion can be found at the following link: