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Corporate Responsibility

How exposure limits protect our health

The purpose of exposure limits is to protect people's health. They have also been defined for mobile communications.

Exposure limit values are based on comprehensive research findings, and define permitted exposure thresholds which may not be exceeded. Compliance with them ensures that humans are not exposed to health risks from the electromagnetic fields generated by mobile applications. This conclusion is based on the latest scientific findings and has been confirmed by numerous specialist bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

Limit values for cell and smart phones

Based on the current state of research, ICNIRP and WHO have defined a SAR value of two watts per kilogram body weight as the limit value for cell and smart phones (2 W/kg, averaged over 10 grams). A high (x 50) safety margin ensures that even very sensitive users are reliably protected.

All cell and smart phones are designed not only to comply with the defined SAR value of 2 W/kg but also to remain well below it. Mobile devices must comply with the limit value even at maximum transmission power.

SAR value

SAR stands for "specific absorption rate". The SAR value of a cell or smart phone indicates the maximum degree to which the head may absorb electromagnetic fields during a phone call. SAR is expressed in units of watts per kilogram (body weight) (W/kg). For further information on the SAR value please visit: www.telekom.de/sar-werte

Limit values for base stations

The limit values for mobile communications base stations ensure that the population – in particular residents in the vicinity – is reliably protected from the negative effects of electromagnetic fields. They are based on recommendations issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

Safety zone

In practice, a safety zone is derived from the limit values. People can reside outside this area for any length of time without any safety risks.

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