In April 2023, the SCHEER (Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks) published an opinion assessing the current state of scientific knowledge on the potential health effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 300 GHz. The aim of the assessment was to examine whether the existing EU directives, in particular the annexes to Directive 1999/519/EC and Directive 2013/35/EU, should be revised in light of new scientific findings.
For the analysis, SCHEER drew on extensive scientific literature, including meta-analyses, systematic reviews and – where necessary – narrative reviews and individual studies published since 2015. The focus was on investigating the potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF, both acute and chronic.
The results of the assessment showed that there is no moderate or strong evidence that exposure to RF-EMF causes adverse health effects if the current limit values are complied with. Nevertheless, SCHEER recommended a technical revision of the annexes to the directive. The reason for this is the introduction of new dosimetric quantities for which no specific limit values have yet been defined. An update of the guidelines is therefore necessary in order to take account of current scientific and technological developments.
In summary, SCHEER concludes that the current limit values offer sufficient protection against health risks. Nevertheless, the guidelines need to be adapted to take account of new measurement parameters and scientific findings. In this way, the protection of public health should continue to meet the latest standards in the future.
