NRPB-W24: Non-technical summary

Non-technical summary

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has published guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The guidelines are intended to protect people against the known adverse health effects arising from exposure to EMFs. In this context EMFs are taken to include radio waves and microwaves, in addition to the types of fields produced by power lines, electrical appliances and permanent magnets, etc.

NRPB has carried out assessments of exposure to EMFs in the workplace and the results of measurements undertaken in recent years are brought together in this report. The devices and applications covered in the report include electricity generation, welding, induction heating and security systems. Compliance with the guidelines is assessed by comparing the exposure measurements with the recommended field levels advised in the ICNIRP guidelines.

Many of the exposure measurements compiled in the report demonstrate that the ICNIRP field levels are met, however a number of devices and applications have been identified where the recommended levels could be exceeded under certain circumstances. In these instances, further work may be required to investigate compliance with the guidelines more thoroughly.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2009