SBB is reducing the electromagnetic field impacting on passengers and workers to a minimum.

Wherever electric current flows or radio waves are transmitted electromagnetic fields are created (also known as non-ionising radiation or "electrosmog" in common parlance). SBB observes the strict legal regulations regarding electromagnetic fields and has taken technical measures - in the overhead power lines, for instance - to insulate the radiation.

But electromagnetic fields do not only come from contact lines, transformers and other high voltage equipment. Electromagnetic fields are also generated by mobile phones - both the masts and the phones themselves.

As passengers like to make phone calls from the train without being interrupted, SBB has installed repeaters. These devices pass the mobile phone signals through the coach body and thus improve call quality from inside the trains. Thanks to these repeaters, mobile phones require 600 times less transmission power. This significantly reduces the radiation dose for phone users and other passengers.

SBB is currently building up the new GSM-R mobile communications network along the tracks to lay the foundation for the European Train Control System ETCS. It observes all limit values, guaranteeing high protection against health hazards.