Guidelines on limits of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 300 GHz

The purpose of these guidelines is to deal with the basic principles of protection against electromagnetic radiation in the radiofrequency range, so that they may serve as guidance to the various international and national bodies or individual experts who are responsible for the development of regulations, recommendations or codes of practice to protect the workers and the general public from the potentially adverse effects of radiofrequency radiation. This document provides guidance on limits of exposure to electromagnetic radiation and fields in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 300 GHz, based on our knowledge of biological effects and on the assessment of health hazards. The part of the frequency range 300 MHz to 300 GHz is often referred to as microwave radiation (MW). These guidelines do not apply to deliberate exposures of patients undergoing medical treatment or diagnosis. The committee recognized that when standards on exposure limits are established, various value judgments are made. The validity of scientific reports has to be considered, and extrapolations from animal experiments to effects on humans have to be made. Cost-versus-benefit analyses are necessary, including the economic impact of controls. The limits in these guidelines were based on the scientific data, and no consideration was given to economic impact or other nonscientific priorities. However, from presently available knowledge, the limits should provide a safe, healthy working or living environment from exposure to RF radiation under all normal conditions.