Electromagnetic Fields of New Technologies

URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-20131111304

In its 2003 report "Electromagnetic Fields of New Technologies" ("Elektromagnetische Felder neuer Technologien"), and in a related recommendation, the German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) urged that the technological development in this area be regularly analysed and critically monitored. The present status report has been produced in response to this.

Since the status report of 2003, the use of electromagnetic fields in particular in mobile telecommunication (LTE; TETRA-BOS; UWB etc.) has steadily increased. Additionally, there have been technical developments in the area of terminal devices (e. g. tablets, smartphones) and changes in user behaviour. New high-frequency features include the Terahertz "body scanner", driver assistance systems and the increasing use of wireless systems for identifying products and objects (Radio Frequency Identification RFID). In the low frequency range a significant increase in field sources (e. g. wireless charging of devices and electric cars) has been identified.

The present report describes the current exposure situation, the expected pertinent future trends and identifies the need for further research und improvement of EMF metrology.

In the opinion of the SSK and in light of the increasing prevalence and complexity of exposures to RF electromagnetic or IF and ELF electric and magnetic fields two aspects must be observed and examined more closely in future. These aspects are: determining the level of immissions in the various frequency ranges and monitoring the development of background exposure levels within the entire frequency range of non-ionising electromangnetic fields.