Which exposure limits for mobile communications apply in Germany?

German law circumscribes limits to mobile communications to protect the population from potential danger. These exposure limits have been embodied in the 26th Ordinance Implementing the Federal Immission Control Act (Ordinance on electromagnetic fields –Verordnung über elektromagnetische Felder zum Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz – 26 BImSchV), which came into force on 1 January 1997. This legislation meant that Germany was the first EU member to establish legally binding regulations limiting electromagnetic fields. The 26 BImSchV establishes limits for mobile telephony as well as limits for electric and magnetic fields surrounding power supply installations and traction power systems.

The German legislation is based on scientific recommendations by independent national and international committees and institutions. By and large it relies on the expert findings of the Commission on Radiological Protection (Strahlenschutzkommission des Bundes – SSK), which in turn is based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), also followed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Council of the European Union (EU).

The 26 BImSchV

The 26 BImSchV and the exposure limits for mobile communications defined in it were established to protect the population from scientifically proven health risks caused by electromagnetic fields.

The definition of maximum public exposure limits for mobile communications is based on the potential risk of constant exposure to electromagnetic fields. Mobile network operators are therefore legally required by 26 BImschV to comply with the limits in any location where people might be for extended periods. This takes into account residential buildings and workplaces as well as schools, kindergartens, playgrounds and hospitals.

Controlled by the Federal Network Agency

The independent Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway (Bundesnetzagentur) regularly checks compliance with the exposure limits in practice. These checks, specified in the Order on the means of providing proof as regards limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (Verordnung über das Nachweisverfahren zur Begrenzung elektromagnetischer Felder – BEMFV), are carried out before a base station begins operation and also without prior notice during its operation. These tests do not only measure electromagnetic field strengths at the individual base stations but also additional fields generated by other fixed transmitters in the area. According to 26 BImSchV, the total sum of all the emissions must be below the legal limit.