Mobile Communications and Health

Following the applicable exposure limits ensures that you can use mobile communications safely. These limits are based on extensive research findings. For more than 50 years, scientists in Germany and around the world have been investigating the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields.

The expert committees of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) set recommendations for exposure limits and review them on an ongoing basis. To do so, they continually evaluate the latest research findings. Both committees are confident that mobile communications pose no health concerns when the applicable exposure limits are observed. The international and German radiation protection commissions (ICNIRP in 2020 and SSK in 2011), as well as the German federal government and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, have recently confirmed this.

In 2014, the EU's independent scientific advisory body (SCENIHR) also concluded that there is no reason to question the safe use of mobile communications when exposure limits are observed. This also applies to the introduction of the new 5G technology.

Federal Office for Radiation Protection

Yes. The limit value for mobile phones and smartphones is 2 watts per kilogram of the user's body weight. It is set out in the 1999 EU Council Recommendation and applies in Germany as well as in all European countries.

This value must also be met when a mobile phone or smartphone operates at maximum transmit power. It ensures that using mobile devices is safe for every user.

All mobile phones are designed not only to meet the established limit values of 2 watts per kilogram, but also to fall well below them.

The limit value is based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), an expert body recognized by the World Health Organization. ICNIRP continually reviews whether the limit values remain valid. Its current conclusion: Mobile phone use is safe when the applicable limit values are met.

SAR stands for "Specific Absorption Rate." It measures the electromagnetic fields absorbed by the user's head that are emitted by a phone or smartphone while making calls.

SAR is expressed in watts per kilogram (body weight) (watts/kg). A phone's or smartphone's SAR value indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic fields absorbed by the user's head while making calls with that device.

All manufacturers test their phones and smartphones for compliance with the Limit value and list the measured maximum values as “SAR value” in their user manuals.

You can find information about the SAR values of Telekom phones and smartphones at: www.telekom.de/sar-werte, in Telekom Shops, and in the manufacturers' user manuals.

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) standardized the SAR measurement procedure in 2001. All manufacturers use it.

Manufacturers test their cell phones to ensure they comply with the Limit value of two watts per kilogram (2W/Kg) and list the measured maximum SAR values in the user manuals.

The test system consists of a plastic shell shaped like a head. It contains a special fluid in which electromagnetic fields spread in the same way as they do in head tissue. The cell phone or smartphone being tested is held against the "Ohr" of this shell head and transmits at maximum power. A measurement probe examines the specific absorption rate in the fluid and thus determines the maximum SAR value.

The SAR values published by Telekom correspond to the maximum values measured in accordance with the EU standard.

SAR values

All SAR values below the Limit value allow for safe use of your mobile phone. All mobile devices sold by Telekom comply with the established Limit values.

Different SAR values do not mean a difference in safety as long as they are below the Limit value. According to the expert assessment of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), this also applies to people who are particularly sensitive.

Some people still feel more comfortable with a lower SAR value and use the SAR value as a criterion when buying a mobile phone or smartphone. That is why all manufacturers list SAR values in their devices' user manuals.

You can find information about SAR values for Telekom mobile phones and smartphones at: www.telekom.de/sar-werte, in the Telekom Shop, and in manufacturers' user manuals.

The Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Postal Services and Railways checks compliance with limit values for mobile communications.

It does this before a mobile Base station with more than 10 watts of transmission power enters operation and whenever it undergoes a technical modification, based on its technical data and construction documents. If all requirements are met, the Federal Network Agency issues an operating permit – the so-called Site certificate.

This certificate defines the safety distance around each Base station. It is derived from the limit values and ensures that people can remain outside the safety area without concern over the long term.

In addition to the Site certificate, the Federal Network Agency conducts unannounced inspections at irregular intervals to check whether mobile communications facilities still meet the conditions of their operating permits.

Mobile communications fields in publicly accessible areas and homes are well below the limit values.

Measurements conducted since LTE technology was introduced show this. The conclusion from all measurement programs: The applicable limit values are clearly undershot at every measurement point—even under extreme conditions, such as maximum utilization and with additional consideration of fields generated by GSM, UMTS, and LTE mobile communications installations.

(EMF) database of the Federal Network Agency

Yes. The effects of electromagnetic fields on people have been thoroughly researched over the past decades. Based on this extensive body of knowledge, several recognized expert panels have evaluated research on mobile communications and health and repeatedly confirmed the Limit values. The German and international radiation protection commissions (ICNIRP and SSK), the German federal government and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, and the EU’s independent scientific advisory panel (SCENIHR) have all reached the same conclusion: There is no reason to question the safe use of mobile communications as long as the Limit values are observed.

Federal Office for Radiation Protection on 5G

ICNIRP

SCENIHR

In its 2013 brochure, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) summarizes the findings as follows: "The results of the DMF (German Mobile Telecommunications Research Program) have substantially reduced knowledge gaps and thus improved the data basis for risk assessment. Overall, after careful review, the findings provide no reason to question the protective effect of the existing exposure limits."

The DMF was conducted between 2002 and 2008 under the leadership of the Federal Ministry for the Environment. With a total budget of 17 million euros, the ministry funded more than 50 studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields. Mobile network operators contributed 8.5 million euros. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) implemented the program both technically and administratively.

Mobile technology continues to evolve, and so do the methods and opportunities available to science. That is why Deutsche Telekom believes further research is both valuable and important. Even after the DMF ended, we continue to support projects under the Federal Environment Ministry's Environmental Research Plan, among others.

German Mobile Telecommunications Research Program (DMF)

Federal Office for Radiation Protection

To make calls from wherever you are or be reachable anywhere with your mobile phone, it needs a reliable connection to a nearby Base station.

Every mobile phone and every Base station has both a transmitting and a receiving component. High-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) are needed to transmit information between the mobile phone and the Base station. Information is generally relayed between Base stations and between the Base station and the fixed-line network via copper lines or Optical fiber cables.

Mobile communication needs many Base stations to provide high-quality coverage. Each one can handle only a certain number of calls at the same time and transmit a limited volume of data. Each Base station therefore covers only a narrowly defined area, known as a Radio cell. As the number of users rises and the Data rate increases, a denser mobile network—with more Base stations—is needed.

In mobile communications, Base stations and mobile devices automatically adjust their transmission power to current transmission conditions. When the connection is good, transmission power drops to a fraction of the maximum possible level. This saves battery power on your cell phone and reduces the strength of electromagnetic fields.

Mobile antennas typically transmit at between 10 and 100 watts.

Building mobile network infrastructure is a complex, dynamic process that takes many factors into account. Telekom deploys Base stations where demand is high, where there are still gaps in the mobile network, or where coverage quality needs to improve.

Because each Base station can handle only a limited number of calls at once and transmit a limited amount of data, a large number of Base stations is especially needed where people make many mobile calls—for example, in residential areas.

When building out the mobile network, Telekom works closely with municipalities as representatives of their residents. Planning and implementation involve the following steps:

• First, as part of its overall network strategy, Telekom determines the optimal location for a new base station
• Second, in line with an agreement between mobile network operators and municipal associations, Telekom informs the local authorities of its plans
• Third, both sides work together to find a suitable alternative site if they have different views about the selected location. To support this, Telekom reviews site proposals from the municipality, for example, and prioritizes implementing them when they are suitable. In some cases, a building permit or approval from the historic preservation, nature conservation, or aviation authority is required.

Together with the other network operators, Telekom signed a voluntary commitment to the German federal government and an agreement with the municipal umbrella associations as early as 2001.

In these, the mobile network operators committed to a range of measures to improve consumer and health protection, research funding, and cooperation with municipalities in expanding mobile networks.

This has noticeably eased the discussion around mobile communications and improved cooperation among everyone involved in network expansion. Regular reviews by independent experts also show this. On the 10th anniversary, the German network operators and the German federal government confirmed the continuation of the voluntary commitment in 2011. The current report was submitted to the Federal Environment Ministry and published in 2020.

Federal Environment Ministry: Overview of reports on the voluntary commitment

Yes. You can use a cell phone even if you have a pacemaker. We recommend keeping your cell phone at least 8 inches away from your chest to help prevent interference.

If you have a pacemaker, avoid keeping your cell phone in a shirt pocket over your chest. This is an additional precaution, as most pacemakers in use today are resistant to interference from cell phones.

If you have another electronic implant, such as an insulin pump, ask your doctor whether the device is resistant to interference.

Electronic devices such as TVs, radios, and cell phones can affect one another and cause interference. However, most of this interference is barely noticeable and does not affect how the devices work. One example is a buzzing sound from a radio speaker when someone makes a call on a cell phone nearby.

To prevent this, electrical and electronic devices must meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. These requirements are set out in the European Union's EMC Directive and Germany's EMC Act.

Cell phone use in hospitals depends on each facility's individual rules. According to current studies, a general ban on mobile phone use in hospitals is not necessary, as medical equipment is not expected to be affected at distances of about 10 feet or more.

However, interference with this equipment from cell phones or smartphones cannot be completely ruled out. For this reason, their use is usually prohibited or restricted, especially in hospital operating rooms and intensive care units.

In all cases, mobile phone users in hospitals or medical treatment rooms should follow the facility's rules or usage instructions and turn off their devices if necessary.

Old cell phones are a valuable resource and don't belong in the trash. Deutsche Telekom supports you with recycling and, in many cases, gives used cell phones a sustainable second life. You can drop off your used cell phones at our Telekom Shops or send them to us.

The Telekom take-back system ensures that hazardous substances are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way, valuable materials such as precious metals are recycled, and devices that still work are reused. Telekom donates the proceeds to nonprofit organizations, supporting environmental and nature conservation projects. You can find all information about cell phone take-back at: www.handysammelcenter.de

Drivers may make phone calls in stationary vehicles with the engine turned off—passengers may do so even while the vehicle is moving. Without hands-free equipment or "Headset-Nutzung," drivers in Germany are legally prohibited from doing so for road-safety reasons. As a general rule, keep in mind: Any driver distraction increases the risk of an accident.

Limit values are also met when you make mobile calls in a car. The car's metal body somewhat shields the radio waves. As a result, the electromagnetic fields generated by the cell phone or smartphone do not increase significantly. When you make calls in a car, you can also reduce them with an external antenna.