Biological and Physical Bases of ICNIRP Exposure Limits for Radiofrequency (RF) Fields

摘要

In April 1998, new guidelines as regards to limits of exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz were published by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In these guidelines, two classes of guidance are presented: 1) basic restrictions: restrictions on exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields that are based directly on established health effects; and 2) reference levels: levels provided for practical exposure assessment purposes to determine whether the basic restrictions are likely to be exceeded. Some reference levels are derived from relevant basic restrictions using measurement and/or computational techniques, and some address perception and adverse indirect effects of exposure to EMFs. Compliance with the reference level will ensure compliance with the relevant basic restriction. If the measured or calculated value exceeds the reference level, it does not necessarily follow that the basic restriction will be exceeded. However, whenever a reference level is exceeded, it is necessary to test compliance with the relevant basic restriction and to determine whether additional protective measures are necessary. ICNIRP guidelines have been developed after a thorough review of all relevant published scientific literature. Induction of cancer from long-term EMF exposure was not considered to be established, and so these guidelines are based on short-term, immediate health effects such as stimulation of peripheral nerves and muscles, shocks and burns caused by touching conducting objects, and elevated tissue temperatures resulting from absorption of energy during exposure to EMFs.