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Spotlight on EMF Research

Editor — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:37:19 +0000

Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS)

Every month, well over 100 scientific articles are published in peer-reviewed international journals that relate to electromagnetic fields ( EMF ) and their potential health-related effects. “Spotlight on EMF Research” presents individual current articles, classifies them in the context of the existing state of knowledge by the BfS and evaluates their relevance for radiation protection.

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BfS International workshop: Impact of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields on oxidative stress

Editor — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:13:27 +0000

16th to 18th February 2022, Cottbus

General Information

In Germany, the expansion of the power grid and the construction of several new high voltage power lines across the country is a result of the switch to renewable energy sources. Moreover, the new 5G mobile communication standard and the introduction of digital techniques into almost all scenarios of the everyday life are imminent. This leads to changing exposure conditions of the population and the environment to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) of all frequency ranges. In consequence, there might be an increased concern of the population regarding potential health effects of EMFs. In scientific and public debates oxidative stress is often postulated as a mechanism induced by EMF that affects biological systems. The term oxidative stress describes the imbalance between the production of reactive (oxidizing) chemical species and the reduction of such chemical species by anti-oxidant defense mechanisms.

The WHO has commissioned several systematic reviews dealing with potential health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as part of an ongoing project to assess potential health effects of radiofrequency fields. One of these systematic reviews covers the topic of radiofrequency fields and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

In order to summarize the current state of scientific knowledge, to discuss known and possible effects of EMF on oxidative stress and to provide information on the WHO systematic review, the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) organizes the International Workshop “Impact of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields on oxidative stress”. The workshop will cover static, low frequency and especially radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, the measurement of oxidative stress, possible biophysical mechanisms and aspects of the methodology of systematic reviews. Gaps in knowledge will be identified and emerging topics of interest in the field of oxidative stress and EMF will be discussed.

Topics

Basics of Oxidative Stress – Knowns and Unknowns
Measurements of Oxidative Stress as major criteria of study quality
Systematic Reviews
Biophysical Mechanisms for oxidative stress
RF-EMFs and oxidative stress
ELF-EMFs and oxidative stress

https://www.bfs-internationalworkshop.de/general-information

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The Lerchl scandal: The German radiation authority answers – but not the Lost Thread’s questions

Editor — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:05:19 +0000

Date: April 15, 2021 Author: Lost Thread

Lost Thread is journalistically edited and registered with the Press Board.

Stock Photo : Ingo Joseph ( Pexels.com )

(Auto translated from Danish)

NEWS / ABROAD: For years, German professor Alexander Lerchl was behind false accusations that crucial research on mobile phone radiation had been falsified, and in December 2020, he was convicted for the second time of libel by a North German court.

This is how Lost Thread reported in January and February this year on the Lerchl scandal in several articles.

Lost Thread described, among other things, how the double-convicted professor – despite two defamation convictions for false fraud allegations – continues to enjoy support from the radiation authority in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Thus, Alexander Lerchl is entrusted with approximately 8 million. kroner for a research project to investigate 5G-specific effects.

In this connection, on 1 February 2021, Tabt Tråd asked a number of questions to the BfS (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz), which is the German Federal Authority for Radiation Protection.

Still collaborating?

Lost Thread would like to know why the BfS continues to support Alexander Lerchl despite his convictions for false fraud allegations and asked three specific questions:

– Mr. Lerchl was convicted in 2015 by the court in Hamburg of false accusations against the research project REFLEX. Nevertheless, BfS continued to cooperate and finance. Why?

– Does the fact that Lerchl has now been convicted for the second time have any consequences for the authority’s cooperation and financing?

– Or why does such a verdict not matter for the collaboration?

It took well over a month before BfS responded to Lost Thread.

In a reply sent by the press service, BfS does not answer any of Tabt Tråd’s questions.

Lost Thread presents here the English-language answer from BfS, unedited:

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) is the scientific-technical higher federal authority for radiation protection in Germany.

Its core task is to protect man and the environment from damage caused by ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. To this end, the BfS has to make reliable statements on health-related risks from radiation, based on the current state of scientific knowledge.

The BfS imposes strict requirements on the expertise, working methods and transparency of organizations whose reports are used for the BfS’s work. The research projects issued by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection are subject to public procurement law. By defining suitability criteria as part of the tendering procedure, BfS ensures that research contractors meet the appropriate technical requirements.

Contracts are awarded in competition and by means of transparent award procedures to qualified contractors.

All research projects issued by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection are published on the Federal e-procurement tender platform and can be viewed there at www.evergabe-online.de .

For the BfS technical statement and comments on the Final Report of the REFLEX Research Network (5th EU Framework Program), please refer to

http://doris.bfs.de/jspui/handle/urn:nbn:de:0221-201004211595

Sincerely yours, i. A. Julia Rudorf. Press reference.

German gov’t sets up center to inform citizens on mobile network radiation

Editor — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 11:02:47 +0000

BERLIN, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) — German Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Svenja Schulze inaugurated a new government center on Wednesday to which citizens can turn with their health questions regarding the radiation of mobile networks and electricity grids.

The minister stressed that digitization and the transition to renewable energies were “crucial projects” for a sustainable future in Germany. Emerging concerns of citizens would need to be taken seriously. The the center would thus inform citizens as well as public authorities about radiation issues.

A survey by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) found last year that German citizens had a high interest in various radiation protection topics and did “not feel particularly well informed so far.”

Only a slight majority of Germans knew that the greatest source of radiation for them was emitted by their own mobile phone and not from transmitter masts, according to the survey.

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German Federal Office for Radiation Protection-Focus on Possible Influence of Electromagnetic Fields on Plants and Animals

Editor — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 08:05:06 +0000

The BfS wishes to further investigate indications of possible effects

Year of issue 2019

Date: 2019.12.06

Some animal and plant species can perceive electric or magnetic fields. Although limited effects on plants and animals have been observed in some laboratory and field studies, there is still no scientific proof of a risk to plants or animals posed by electromagnetic fields below the limit values . However, there is still a considerable need for research. This is the result of an international workshop on the “Influence of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on the living environment”, which was organised by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection.

The findings of the workshop are particularly important in light of the ongoing expansion of the electricity grids and the introduction of the new 5G mobile communications standard. A comprehensive evaluation of the workshop results will form the basis for future research.

Possible influences of power lines on the orientation of animals

Birds can perceive the Earth’s magnetic field and orient themselves accordingly

The transmission of current mainly involves animal species that perceive the Earth’s magnetic field and orient themselves accordingly. The main focus of research is whether fields caused by humans influence the perception of these animals – or even disturb their orientation.

A study under laboratory conditions led to the conclusion that the orientation of migratory birds that perceive the Earth’s magnetic fields can be disturbed by weak magnetic fields, even below the limit values. This frequency range can neither be associated with power lines nor with mobile radio but rather lies somewhere between them.

On the other hand, in the initial results of another study on migratory birds exposed to such magnetic fields immediately before being released, no difference in flight behaviour (direction of migration, delayed departure) could be observed compared with non-exposed animals. Further studies will be carried out within the framework of this study.

It is still unclear how the new direct current lines resulting from the expansion of the electricity grid will influence the orientation of animals. It is expected that the animals will adapt their behaviour – as is the case with natural earth magnetic field anomalies – and use other factors such as the sun, stars, or landmarks for orientation.

Discussion about possible effects of mobile radio on insects

In connection with mobile radio, numerous effects, especially on insects and plants, were discussed. Overall, the studies presented in the workshop support the current state of knowledge that there is no evidence of harmful effects on plants or animals caused by high-frequency electromagnetic fields below the applicable limit values.

However, there are isolated indications that radiofrequency fields may influence insects. In a field study, for example, changes in the frequency and biodiversity of pollinators near base stations were observed. Some questions also remain unanswered with respect to the new 5G mobile phone generation. For example, it is conceivable that the higher frequencies that may be used in a few years’ time could increase the energy absorption of insects.

Partly contradictory results on the effects of fields on plants

In plant studies, growth effects in particular were investigated. The Earth’s static magnetic field and its artificial attenuation or amplification influence the growth of plants. Under laboratory conditions, high-frequency fields can trigger a stress reaction and influence growth. However, because the results here were also partly contradictory, further research is needed in this area.

The workshop took place at the beginning of November in Munich. Investigations from various scientific disciplines were presented. A total of 64 experts from 15 countries around the world took part.

For more information please see:

http://www.bfs.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/BfS/EN/2019/022.html;jsessionid=8B98004DC227BBB966A90A25E8599C89.1_cid349?fbclid=IwAR1RMTZ1j2z8tj6k2e3gADOhaMSpk7ZMcLGYu1eP94MaPLhL5BZpfxHQFQc

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International Workshop on the causes of childhood leukemia Freising (Munich), November 20-22, 2019

Editor — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 09:33:00 +0000

International Workshop on the causes of childhood leukemia

General Information

Unexplained findings from epidemiological studies in two different areas of radiation protection prompted the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) to intensify the research on the etiology of childhood leukemia: (i) the increased incidence of childhood leukemia near nuclear power plants and (ii) the consistently observed association of the risk for childhood leukemia with exposure to low-level low-frequency magnetic fields. For both findings, no plausible explanation exists according to the current knowledge of biological effects of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. On a nearly bi-annual basis, BfS – and varying partners – jointly organized five scientific meetings to discuss the knowns and unknowns and to define a long-term strategic research agenda towards a better understanding of the main causes of childhood leukemia. As a further follow-up the BfS is organizing a 6th international workshop that will be held in Freising (Munich) on November 20-22, 2019.

The Workshop will discuss current research results and future research directions, focusing on potential mechanisms of childhood leukemia development. In different sessions and two special sessions the following topics will be discussed:

Ionizing and non ionizing radiation as risk factors for childhood leukemia
Mechanisms of leukemia development, including genetic and epigenetic factors, the role of the immune system and environmental risk factors
Background radiation and risk of leukemia
Animal models to study leukemia

The workshop is conducted by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS)) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

For more information please see: https://www.leukemia-workshop.de/general-information/

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Is 5G a danger? German Federal Office for Radiation Protection clarifies.

Editor — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:25:06 +0000

Ist 5G eine Gefahr? Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz klärt auf

Translated from German:

Since Friday, new 5G-enabled mobile phones are expected at the International Consumer Electronics Fair (IFA) in Berlin. The new mobile radio standard links many positive expectations. At the same time, however, concerns about possible health risks are also expressed. In a press release, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection in Salzgitter provides comprehensive information on risks, precautions and the current state of research.

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) first points out that there is no proof of the health effects of mobile radio below the applicable limit values. This also applies to 5G. In addition: Everyone can take precautions!

Use the phone carefully

As a rule, one is exposed to the radiation of the own mobile phone much stronger than the radiation of surrounding mobile radio base stations. The president of the BfS, Inge Paulini, explains: “Especially in view of increasing data transmission volumes, the own radiation exposure during phoning and surfing should be kept low. Anyone can contribute to this by using their mobile phone prudently. “To minimize one’s own radiation exposure, hands-free kits and headsets can be used, for example. In addition, users should pay attention to a good reception.

Paulini added: “Even though no health effects of mobile phone fields have been proven below the applicable limits, we still recommend taking precautions. Because even if the fifth generation is already launched with 5G, the mobile radio technology is still comparatively young overall. Although the effects of mobile communications have been very well researched overall, the consequences of intensive cell phone use over many decades have not yet been conclusively clarified. Manufacturers should design their devices in such a way that exposures remain as low as possible from the outset.” Further tips on precautionary measures are provided by the Federal Office on its website .

The SAR value: a good indicator

Smartphones and cell phones, which only lead to low exposures under unfavorable conditions, have a low maximum SAR value. SAR stands for “Specific Absorption Rate” and is a measure of the radio frequency energy absorbed by the body tissue when using mobile phones. It is expressed in watts per kilogram. To exclude the health effects of high-frequency fields, this value should not exceed 2 watts per kilogram. Since 5G will initially use frequency ranges that are identical or comparable to those already used for mobile communications, the available research results can largely be transferred to 5G. Also for the first 5G-enabled smartphones, the SAR value from a radiation safety point of view is important.The BfS provides information on its website about the SAR values of the devices available on the market.

Research is still ongoing

Above all, however, the question is still open as to how increasing data volumes and the associated increase in the number of transmitters will affect exposure at the same time as faster data transmission. This is currently being researched by the BfS. Even if details can only be investigated after the networks have been set up, the BfS expects the average exposure of the population as a whole to remain at a low level. BfS also sees a need for 26 gigahertz and above for the higher frequency bands envisaged for use by 5G , In the higher frequencies, the absorption of electromagnetic fields takes place very close to the body surface, which affects the skin and eyes in particular.

The 59th IFA in Berlin will be held this year from 6 to 11 September. With its wide range of products and a large number of innovations, the fair is regarded as the world’s leading trade fair for household electronics and entertainment technology. The BfS informs at its booth in hall 26 about the basics and effects of electromagnetic fields on humans.

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