Abstract

Parts of the population have been and are concerned that the use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) of telecommunication devices could cause adverse health effects.

So far, the only proven biophysical mode of action of electromagnetic fields in the frequency range in question of 10 MHz - 10 GHz (“high frequency”) and technically used intensities is the warming of tissues (“thermal effects”) which may lead to thermo-regulatory reactions of the organism or, if they are not sufficient, to unphysiological increases in temperature and damage. The absorbed power is determined as the SAR value (Specific Absorption Rate, unit W/kg).

In addition to the measurement of temperatures, the SAR assessment by dosimetric procedures is of great importance. These calculations, however, are "macroscopic”, as they are generally not carried out for tissue volumes < 1 mm³. The question this statement is based on is, whether apart from these macroscopic effects there are also microscopic effects that could, for example, lead to effects on individual cells, cell components, or molecules inside tissues being selectively damaged by absorption of high-frequency EMF, even if macroscopically no damaging increases in temperature are measured or calculated. Therefore, one had to examine whether so far unknown effects could occur in biological systems of this range.

On the basis of detailed consultations, literature researches, and the results gained from a workshop with experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, dosimetry, and theoretical electrical engineering, the Commission on Radiological Protection arrives at the conclusion that according to currently available facts, there are neither new theoretical models nor experimental findings questioning the concept of SAR determination through macroscopic dosimetry. Thus, there is no reason to reduce the existing exposure limits.