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NRPB, AGNIR and SAGE FAQs

What was the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)?

The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) was an independent body that had responsibility for advising UK government departments and others on standards of protection for exposure to ionising and non-ionising radiation, which included electric and magnetic fields. On 1 April 2005 NRPB merged with the Health Protection Agency, forming its new Radiation Protection Division.

 

What is the HPA Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR)?

In 1990 the Director of NRPB set up the independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) under the chairmanship of Sir Richard Doll. AGNIR reported directly to the Board of NRPB. Its terms of reference were:

to review work on the biological effects of non-ionising radiation relevant to human health and to advise on research priorities.

AGNIR was reconstituted in 1999 as an independent advisory group and reported directly to the Board of NRPB; since April 2005 it reports to the sub-committee of the board of the Health Protection Agency that deals with radiation, chemical and environmental hazards. In addition to the work of the Advisory Group, subgroups address specific issues.

The remit covers static and extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (including power frequency fields), and radiofrequency (RF) fields and radiation as well as infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiation.
Further information on AGNIR is available.

 

How are the members of AGNIR selected?

Members of AGNIR are appointed on the basis of their proven research expertise. They are also independent of commercial interests. Membership reflects the AGNIR programme of work at any particular time.

 

What is the reason for the AGNIR review of ELF electromagnetic fields published in 2001?

The first report of AGNIR was a comprehensive review of experimental and epidemiological studies relevant to an assessment of the possible risk of cancer resulting from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in general. The main findings were published in 1992 with updates in 1993 and 1994. Since then much of the ELF related experimental work that was being carried in the mid 1990s has been completed. A number of substantial occupational and residential epidemiological studies have also been published, some of which have taken advantage of improved methods of exposure assessment and have had better experimental designs.


 

Has the scope of review changed since the previous reports by AGNIR?

Yes, the most recent report focuses specifically on the possible risk of cancer resulting from exposures to power frequency electromagnetic fields, which are in the ELF part of the spectrum.


 

What is the Stakeholder Advisory Group on ELF EMFs (SAGE)?

SAGE is the Stakeholder Advisory Group on ELF EMFs which has been set up by the Department of Health to explore the implications and make practical recommendations for a precautionary approach to power frequency electric and magnetic fields. SAGE has representation from public concern groups who advocate greater precaution as well as from the power supply industry, government departments and the Health Protection Agency. Its role will be to go beyond the science and consider precautionary policy implications of the science that has already been reviewed. Initial work is expected to include consideration of ways that people can reduce domestic exposures by taking action within their own homes as well as discussions about precautionary approaches to be adopted with respect to power transmission lines and the local supply network. The SAGE website can be found at www.sagedialogue.org.uk/.

HPA advice on the first interim assessment of SAGE is available


Last reviewed: 8 June 2010