Statement of the BfS

According to current scientific knowledge, there is no established evidence of health risks from electric and magnetic fields when limit values are complied with. This view is supported by analyses performed by international panels of experts (SSK, WHO, ICNIRP, SCENIHR).

However, there is occasional scientific evidence of health effects of weak electric and magnetic fields, for example concerning a possible association between low-frequency magnetic fields and the development of childhood leukaemia as well as neurodegenerative diseases.

The BfS intensified the investigation of causes relating to childhood leukaemia as early as 2008 and so far has carried out 5 international workshops as well as corresponding research projects.

The research programme is intended to investigate possible health effects of electric and magnetic fields in order to enhance the data pool for risk assessment. Research at the BfS is open-ended and based on rigorous scientific criteria. Potential findings will have to be incorporated into the ongoing process.

Final reports of the research projects relating to childhood leukaemia (in German language)

• Untersuchungen zum Zusammenwirken umweltbedingter Risikofaktoren mit genetischen und weiteren endogenen Faktoren bei der Entstehung von Leukämie im Kindesalter, Teilvorhaben 1
• Übersicht über vorhandene Tiermodelle, die für die Leukämieforschung angewandt werden könnten - Vorhaben 3612S70029
• Nachweis von chromosomalen Translokationen durch genomische PCR zur Identifizierung prä-leukämischer Zellen bei Kindern - Pilotstudie zur Entwicklung und Validierung geeigneter Sonden - Vorhaben 3612S70019
• Machbarkeitsstudie zum Aufbau einer Geburtskohorte und zur Überprüfung genetischer Prädisposition bei kindlichen Leukämien (prospektive Forschungsansätze) - Vorhaben 3611S70020
• Untersuchungen zum Zusammenwirken umweltbedingter Risikofaktoren mit genetischen und weiteren endogenen Faktoren bei der Entstehung von Leukämie im Kindesalter - Teilvorhaben 4: Pilotstudie zum Vergleich der Inzidenz von Leukämie im Kindesalter in verschiedenen Ländern - Vorhaben 3611S70028

Statement of the BfS

The BfS is keeping track of the relevant scientific literature on the effects of hybrid lines. The currently available, mainly theoretical, investigations (computer simulations) focus on the mutual influence between the conductors and the resulting effects on the transmission system. These effects are primarily relevant for the grid operator. Experimental studies on hybrid model lines have contributed to the refinement and validation of the computer models. Just as with other types of high-voltage lines, the noise pollution to be expected, the magnetic and electric fields and corona ions are relevant for the environment. The exposure from magnetic and electric fields is addressed under topic area items 7.2 and 7.4. The effects of hybrid lines on the exposure from corona ions are covered in topic area 6 (including the electric fields from space-charge clouds). A separate topic area is not planned.

Statement of the BfS

The magnetic flux density limit of 100 µT suggested by the ICNIRP in 1998 was adopted into the legislation of many countries and is based on protection from established effects (a detailed international comparison of legal regulations concerning the non-ionising range can be found here). In its statement from 2010, the ICNIRP increased its recommendation for 50 Hz alternating current to 200 µT for systematic reasons. German legislators have not adopted this change in the amendment of the 26th BImSchV of 2013.

Protection from conceivable but not established effects as part of precautions is internationally implemented differently by politicians. In Switzerland, a so-called installation limit value of 1 % per installation has been set in addition to the derived limit value of 100 µT for 50 Hz. In Germany, precautions for the protection of the citizens are taken account of, among other things, by the minimisation requirement laid down in the amended 26th Federal Immission Control Ordinance (26th BImSchV) (see also the relevant General Administrative Regulation).

Further information

• Precautions against exposure to low frequency fields

Statement of the BfS

The effects of naturally occurring ionising radiation and low-frequency electric and magnetic fields are considered separately by the BfS. As part of the evaluation of the relevant scientific literature (see topic area 6), possible combined effects of the corona ions generated by electricity routes and radioactive particles are also addressed.

Statement of the BfS

The research programme is focused on the effects on humans. However, the BfS is consistently keeping track of the state of the relevant scientific literature including the effects on fauna and flora. Should specific issues arise, corresponding research projects will be initiated.

Statement of the BfS

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection publishes the findings from the individual research projects in the Digital Online Repository and Information System "DORIS" and informs the public through press releases, current reports or appropriate internet articles on new relevant findings in a timely manner.

Statement of the BfS

Converter stations produce noise emissions and - analogously to the incoming and outgoing lines - electric and magnetic fields with the corresponding frequencies. In addition, higher harmonics (whole-number multiples of 50 Hz, e.g. 100, 150, 200 Hz etc.) of the mains frequency are generated during current rectification and are strongly reduced by appropriate filters. Limit values also apply to converter stations and must not be exceeded. A separate consideration of converter stations within the research programme is not planned. The effect of electric and magnetic fields does not depend on whether the source is an electricity line or a converter.