Biological effects from electromagnetic field exposure and public exposure standards

AI: Melanie Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2008 CONCERN LOW

This review describes public concerns and scientific reports of non-thermal biological effects from low-intensity ELF and RF exposures. It lists multiple health endpoints reported to be associated with ELF and/or RF and highlights the BioInitiative Report’s conclusion that a reasonable suspicion of risk exists at environmentally relevant levels. The authors argue that existing public exposure standards should be lowered and that mobile phone SAR guidelines should be revised based on biology and long-term risk claims.

Key points

The paper is a narrative review focused on ELF (power-frequency) and RF/microwave exposures from wireless communications.
It states that non-thermal biological effects are not considered in microwave exposure regulation despite reports indicating such effects.
It lists several health endpoints reported to be associated with ELF and/or RF, including childhood leukaemia and brain tumours.
It cites the BioInitiative Report as concluding there is a reasonable suspicion of risk at environmentally relevant exposure levels.
It recommends new, lower public safety limits for ELF near new or upgraded power lines and for certain existing habitable spaces (children/pregnancy).
It recommends precautionary, considerably lower limits for cumulative outdoor and indoor RF exposure than existing guidelines.
It notes current mobile phone SAR guideline values for the brain (1.6 W/kg US; 2 W/kg Europe) and argues for new biologically based guidelines.

Referenced studies & papers

Relevant papers in OpenMel

Source: Open original

AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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