Abstract

As a further development of the previous 2G, 3G and 4G mobile communications systems, the introduction of fifth-generation mobile communications (5G) was launched in Germany in 2019. The 5G mobile communications standard is seen as a core technology for the digitisation of industry, automated and connected transport systems, Internet of Things and many other technical developments. All mobile communication systems work by means of the emission of high-frequency electromagnetic fields.

Against this background, the German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) determined whether the principles used to set the national limits for exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (base stations and mobile devices) are still valid in their entirety in light of the current state of research. The present statement only addresses the biological and health aspects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in the frequency range up to around 7 Gigahertz (Frequency Range 1, FR1), which is already intensively used for mobile communication. The 5G networks currently being installed also use this range. Additionally, specific technical aspects of the new 5G technology are considered along with their impact on the expected ambient RF-EMF levels and public exposure. 5G applications in the frequency range above 20 Gigahertz (FR2), which will be used in future, will be evaluated in a further statement by the SSK.

In Part I of the present statement, the German Commission on Radiological Protection comments on technical aspects of the 5G technology. In Part II it provides an assessment of the state of research into the biological and health effects of radiofrequency fields in the FR1 frequency range.