he ANFR makes sure the limit values for the exposure of the general public to electromagnetic waves from equipment and radio sites is respected. In that capacity, it manages the national wave monitoring and measurement system as mentioned in article 42 of Act no. 2009-967 of 3 August 2009 on the implementation of the Grenelle Environment Round Table.
It defines the reference method to measure exposure levels (ANFR protocol). This protocol is the basis for measurements carried out by COFRAC-accredited laboratories, and guarantees their repeatability.
The ANFR also collects the measurements taken by these laboratories and publishes them on its www.cartoradio.fr website.
Since 2018, in accordance with the 9 February 2015 Act on sobriety, transparency, information and consultation in terms of exposure to electromagnetic waves, known as the "Abeille" Act, the Agency hosts the National Dialogue Committee (CND) on the levels of public exposure to electromagnetic fields. This committee, which meets several times a year, contributes to informing stakeholders of public exposure issues. The Agency especially presents the annual results for all the electromagnetic field measurements as well as the technical measures taken to reduce the levels in atypical spots.
As part of its surveillance of the terminal and radio equipment market, the ANFR checks that radio equipment complies with the provisions governing its placing on the market. To guarantee compliance with these provisions, the Agency has powers of investigation, information gathering and, in the event of unlawful conduct, formal notice. It in particular guarantees that the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of mobile phones, which represents the energy absorbed by the human body, complies with national regulations (less than 2 watts per kilogram for local head and trunk SAR, 4 watts per kilogram for limb SAR).
The ANFR has no health remit. That mission is given to the National food, environment and working condition safety agency (ANSES) which is in charge of assessing the risks, particularly in terms of public exposure, and providing the competent authorities all the information on those risks, as well as the expertise and scientific and technical support needed to draw up legislative and regulatory provisions and implement risk management measures, especially in terms of exposure thresholds to comply with. The ANFR makes sure that these thresholds are respected.