Updated at 23 Jun 2026
The BfS (Federal Office for Radiation Protection) oversees European limit values and regulations related to radiation and electromagnetic fields, ensuring protection against high-frequency fields, low-frequency electric and magnetic fields, and other environmental radiation sources, aligning safety standards across Europe.
The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) provides an extensive overview of European limit values and regulations related to electromagnetic fields and radiation protection. The regulations cover various types of electromagnetic radiation, including high-frequency fields such as those from mobile communication technologies (5G, LTE, UMTS, GSM), low-frequency and static fields from power supply and traffic systems, as well as ionizing radiation sources. European limit values aim to protect humans by setting exposure thresholds that are scientifically based and harmonized across member states to ensure safety and precaution. These limits consider both established and discussed effects of electromagnetic fields, integrating evaluations such as those from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The BfS emphasizes radiation protection measures including precautionary strategies, voluntary commitments from industry, and specific absorption rates (SAR) for mobile phones. Additionally, laws such as the Radiation Protection Act and ordinances on ionizing and non-ionizing radiation outline protective frameworks. The BfS cooperates internationally and aligns with scientific bodies like the WHO Collaborating Centre to further develop and implement these regulations. Monitoring, emergency preparedness, and research on health effects contribute to the continuous adaptation of guidelines. This comprehensive framework aims to minimize health risks from electromagnetic exposure while enabling technological advancements in communication and energy transmission within the European Union.
