ICNIRP Research Articles

On radar and radio exposure and cancer in the military setting

IntroductionIn 2018, we reported a case series of 47 patients diagnosed with cancer following several years of exposure to high-intensity whole-body radiofrequency radiation (RFR) using the parameter of percentage frequency (PF). Consistent high and statistically significant PFs of hematolymphoid (HL) cancers were found in this group and in four previous reports on RFR-exposed groups in Belgium, Poland and Israel together with increased all-cancers rates. In this paper we report a new series of 46 young cancer patients who were exposed during military service to such radiation. Materials and methodsThe new group of patients comprises Israeli soldiers previously exposed to occupational RFR. The patients were self-selected to enroll in the research in cooperation with an NGO assisting patients with administrative counseling and legal and social services. The new group of patients was studied with respect to distribution (proportion) of cancer types using the method of PF. When possible, cancer risk ratios (RR) were estimated too. The results are compared to those of other occupational groups in three countries. ResultsMedian age at diagnosis was 23 years; duration of exposure was between 1 and 3 years and the latencies were short, median 4.6 years. The PF of HL cancers was 41.3%, 95% CI (27%–57%), versus 22.7% expected in non-exposed subjects matched for age and gender profiles, p = 0.003; 19 out of the 46 patients had HL cancers. The PF of Hodgkin lymphoma cancers was 21.7%, 95%CI (11%–36%), versus 11.6% expected, p = 0.033. For a subgroup of 6 patients, the number of soldiers in the units was known, and we were able estimate approximately the overall cancer risk ratio (RR) after 8 years as being 8.0 with 95% CI (2.9, 17), p < 0.002, with only 0.75 cases expected from the Cancer Registry data. In this subgroup, there were 3 HL cancer cases and 3 non-HL cases. Sarcoma PF was higher than expected, 7 out of the 46 patients were diagnosed with sarcoma, PF = 15.2%, 95%CI (6.3%–28.9%), p = 0.04 versus the expected PF of 7%. ConclusionThe HL PF was high and consistent with previous reports. Epidemiological studies on excess risk for HL and other cancers, brain tumors in cellphone users, and experimental studies on RFR and carcinogenicity strongly point to a cause-effect relationship. It is mandatory to reduce the RFR exposure of all personnel to that of the typical community levels, including the peak level of radar pulses. Radiation protection, safety instructions, cancer risk warnings and quantitative data on individual exposure together with regular medical monitoring must be instituted for all personnel exposed to such risks. The findings from our study add to the growing body of evidence underscoring the gross inadequacy of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) thermal standards. Based on our findings and on the previous accumulated research, we endorse the recommendations to reclassify RFR exposure as a human carcinogen, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) group 1.

Radiation effect of M-slot patch antenna for wireless application

Today, the specific absorption rate has become an important and necessary measurement when designing and implementing any type of antenna. In recent years, various devices have appeared that use different frequencies for wireless communication systems, which are a source of electromagnetic radiation. The M-slot antenna is designed in this paper to operate in multi-band frequencies for wireless communications using computer simulation technology (CST) software 2020. The radiation effect for this antenna is calculated for tissue mass of the human fingertips, which consists of three layers (skin, meat, and bone), over a mass of 1 g and 10 g according to the IEEE and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) organization. The results are shown three applications in the communication system, which are Wi-Fi, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-Max) and, satellite X-band and, the value of specific absorption rate (SAR) increase with increased frequency.

The European Union prioritises economics over health in the rollout of radiofrequency technologies.

The fifth generation of radiofrequency communication, 5G, is currently being rolled out worldwide. Since September 2017, the EU 5G Appeal has been sent six times to the EU, requesting a moratorium on the rollout of 5G. This article reviews the 5G Appeal and the EU's subsequent replies, including the extensive cover letter sent to the EU in September 2021, requesting stricter guidelines for exposures to radiofrequency radiation (RFR). The Appeal notes the EU's internal conflict between its approach to a wireless technology-led future, and the need to protect the health and safety of its citizens. It critiques the reliance of the EU on the current guidelines given by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), that consider only heating and no other health relevant biological effects from RFR. To counteract the ICNIRP position, the 2021 cover letter briefly presented recent research from the EU's own expert groups, from a large collection of European and other international studies, and from previous reviews of the effects of RFR on humans and the environment. The 5G Appeal asserts that the majority of scientific evidence points to biological effects, many with the potential for harm, occurring below the ICNIRP public limits. Evidence to establish this position is drawn from studies showing changes to neurotransmitters and receptors, damage to cells, proteins, DNA, sperm, the immune system, and human health, including cancer. The 2021 Appeal goes on to warn that 5G signals are likely to additionally alter the behaviour of oxygen and water molecules at the quantum level, unfold proteins, damage skin, and cause harm to insects, birds, frogs, plants and animals. Altogether, this evidence establishes a high priority for the European Union towards (i)replacing the current flawed guidelines with protective thresholds, and (ii) placing a moratorium on 5G deployment so as to (iii) allow industry-independent scientists the time needed to propose new health-protective guidelines. This 2021 Appeal's relevance becomes even more pressing in the context of the EU plans to roll out the sixth generation of wireless technologies, 6G, further adding to the known risks of RFR technology for humans and the environment. This all leads to an important question: Do EU decision makers have the right to ignore EU´s own directives by prioritising economic gain over human and environmental health?

Non-Ionizing Radiation Measurements for Trajectography Radars.

This work presents a Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) measurement campaign and proposes a specific measurement method for trajectography radars. This kind of radar has a high gain narrow beam antenna and emits a high power signal. Power density measurements from a C-band trajectography radar are carried out using bench equipment and a directional receiving antenna, instead of the commonly used isotropic probe. The measured power density levels are assessed for compliance test via comparison with the occupational and general public exposure limit levels of both the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Brazilian National Telecommunication Agency (Anatel). The limit for the occupational public is respected everywhere, evidencing the safe operation of the studied radar. However, the limit for the general public is exceeded at a point next to the radar’s antenna, showing that preventive measures are needed.

Road User Exposure from ITS-5.9 GHz Vehicular Connectivity.

This study addressed an important but not yet thoroughly investigated topic regarding human exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) generated by vehicular connectivity. In particular, the study assessed, by means of computational dosimetry, the RF-EMF exposure in road users near a car equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication antennas. The exposure scenario consisted of a 3D numerical model of a car with two V2V antennas, each fed with 1 W, operating at 5.9 GHz and an adult human model to simulate the road user near the car. The RF-EMF dose absorbed by the human model was calculated as the specific absorption rate (SAR), that is, the RF-EMF power absorbed per unit of mass. The highest SAR was observed in the skin of the head (34.7 mW/kg) and in the eyes (15 mW/kg); the SAR at the torso (including the genitals) and limbs was negligible or much lower than in the head and eyes. The SAR over the whole body was 0.19 mW/kg. The SAR was always well below the limits of human exposure in the 100 kHz–6 GHz band established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The proposed approach can be generalized to assess RF-EMF exposure in different conditions by varying the montage/number of V2V antennas and considering human models of different ages.

Assessment of combined exposure to intermediate-frequency electromagnetic fields and pulsed electromagnetic fields among library workers in Japan.

ObjectiveTo assess exposure levels to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) among library workers in Japan, focusing on co-exposure to intermediate-frequency EMF (IF-EMF) and pulsed EMF, to propose a new epidemiological research methodology.MethodsThe evaluated exposure sources were an electromagnetic type-electronic article surveillance gate (EM-EAS, IF-EMF (operating frequency 220 Hz-14 kHz)) and an activator/deactivator of anti-theft tags termed as “book check unit” (BCU, pulsed EMF). Short-term exposures were: (E1) whole-body exposure from the EAS gate when sitting within 3 m; (E2) local exposure to transient IF-EMF while passing through or beside the EAS gate; and (E3) local exposure to a pulsed magnetic field on BCU use. E1–E3 were evaluated based on exposure levels relative to magnetic flux density at the occupational reference level (RL; E1) or as per occupational basic restrictions (BR; E2 and E3) delineated by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2010 guidelines. Exposure indices based on mid-term exposure (D1–D3), assuming exposure according to employment on a weekly basis, were used to assess exposure in actual working conditions. D1 represents continuous exposure from an EAS gate when sitting within 3 m of the gate. D2 and D3 represent repeated transient exposures occurring during gate pass or on the operation of a BCU. A link to a web-based questionnaire was distributed to librarians working at all libraries where the authors had mailed institutional questionnaires (4,073 libraries). Four exposure patterns were defined according to various exposure scenarios.ResultsWe obtained information on exposure parameters and working conditions from the 548 completed questionnaires. The ICNIRP guideline levels were not exceeded in any of the E1–E3 scenarios. Median of the D1 (% ICNIRP RL × hour/week) was 1, and >85% respondents had values <10. However, the maximum value was 513. Altogether, these results indicate that continuous exposure was low in most cases. The same tendency was observed regarding repeated transient exposure from EM-EAS gates (i.e., the median value for D2 (% ICNIRP BR × gate pass) was 5). However, there were several cases in which D1 and D2 values were >10 times the median. The median of D3 (% ICNIRP BR × BCU operation) was 10, and most respondents' D3 values were greater than their D2 values, although the derived results depended on the assumptions made for the estimation.ConclusionWe conducted an assessment of combined exposures to IF-EMF and pulsed EMF among library workers in Japan by evaluating both short-term exposures (E1–E3) and exposure indices based on mid-term exposures (D1–D3) assuming actual working conditions per questionnaire results. These results provide useful information for future epidemiological studies.

Derivation of maximum permissive switching time for automatic welding filter based on retinal thermal and blue light exposure limits

Automatic welding filters are intended to protect the eyes of the welder from optical radiation generated by the welding process. Safety standards for automatic welding filters (AWFs) have been developed worldwide. However, switching time requirements have not been studied considering the exposure limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The aim of this study is to derive the maximum permissive switching time based on ICNIRP guidelines for exposure to intense optical radiation. The single and cumulative exposures associated with retinal thermal and blue light hazards were assessed in the welding environment. The results show that the maximum switching time is inversely proportional to the exponential function of the shade number difference. The proposed maximum switching time, 1/2 to 1/10 smaller than the current ISO, is derived from the effective blue light radiance limits. In addition, an evaluation of the periodic short circuit welding indicates that AWFs do not transmit hazardous levels of radiation in the dark state.

Electromagnetic field effects of marine radar systems on the ship crew

Marine radars become the sources of electromagnetic pollution during navigation and anchor watchkeeping. In several scientific studies, it was reported that electromagnetic fields could lead to several serious diseases, especially in the nervous system. In the current study, electromagnetic pollution is measured at different points on ships of various tonnage and types to identify electromagnetic pollution induced by marine radars. During these measurements, SRM 3006 compact spectrum analyzer (Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH, Germany) that was operated within the 400 MHz–6 GHz frequency range was employed with a triaxial antenna. Then, the measurement results were compared with the benchmark published by ICNIRP (International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection), and electromagnetic pollution levels induced by marine radar antennas and possible negative consequences for the crew were analyzed.

Human Health Risk Assessment of 4-12 GHz Radar Waves using CST STUDIO SUITE Software.

Background: The application of radar systems in telecommunications and aerospace science is important. However, engineering department’s staff various tissues are always under chronic radiation generated by the radar fields which may affect health.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the risk of radar wave exposure and to explore the effects and limitations.Material and Methods: In this simulation study, an adult body model versus 1 watt source with a distance of 50 centimeters exposure has been simulated using the CST STUDIO SUITE. Furthermore, various physical and electrical properties of each tissue and organ for different frequencies and exposure times have been studied. The exposure dose limitations have been considered using the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) safety and health guide report.Results: Total body absorbed doses for 4 GHz, 8 GHz, and 12 GHz frequency, and 6 min, 4 h, and 30 days exposure time, have been calculated as 1.136×10-5, 1.598×10-5, 1.58×10-3, 1.521×10-5, 3.122×10-5, 4.52×10-3, 4.1×10-5, 10-4, and 10-2, respectively.Conclusion: It has shown that the internal organs of the body and head will be under more risk by reducing radar frequencies from 12 GHz to 4 GHz. On the other hand, the higher frequency can cause a higher risk to the human skin. In addition, the maximum Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for each case has been calculated. The results show that for this normalized source, the safety criteria have been respected, but for a higher source, the calculations must be repeated.

Measurement and Assessment of Exposure to 50 Hz Magnetic Fields from Common Home Electrical Appliances

In this twenty first century, man is exposed to a very high amount of magnetic fields in his environment. This is mainly due to the ubiquitous use of electricity and other technological devices, which are the major sources of magnetic field pollution. The effect of magnetic field exposure on health problems and safety risk of people is continually being investigated. A number of international organizations have formulated guidelines on limits to the value of the generated magnetic field. This work provides information on the amount of 50 Hz magnetic field created by some common home electrical appliances, and compare results obtained with permissible exposure limit by The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for the public. The home electrical appliances investigated include electric cooker, hair dryer, toaster, kettle, fan, microwave oven, electric iron, voltage stabilizer, etc. Measurements were carried out with the aid of a magnetic field strength meter, at a distance of 3 cm to 75 cm from the appliances. Results showed that the magnetic field varies with distance from the appliances (by quarter of a meter, most become negligible), the power consumption of the appliance, the age of the appliance, and the product (manufacturer) of the appliance. Also, appliances with electromagnets, coils and electric motors produce more magnetic fields than appliances with heating elements. At a distance of 3 cm from the appliances, the highest value of magnetic field obtained was 85.5 µT and the lowest value of the magnetic field obtained was 4.28 µT. The overall results obtained indicate that the magnetic field strengths are lower than the maximum permissible exposure limit (100 µT) recommended by ICNIRP for members of the public, and therefore, will not lead to any significant exposure risk. In conclusion, in-expensive measures of reducing magnetic field exposure are recommended.

Self-referencing authorships behind the ICNIRP 2020 radiation protection guidelines.

In March 2020, ICNIRP (the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) published a set of guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (100kHz to 300GHz). ICNIRP claims this publication's view on EMF and health, a view usually termed "the thermal-only paradigm", is consistent with current scientific understanding. We investigated the literature referenced in ICNIRP 2020 to assess if the variation in authors and research groups behind it meets the fundamental requirement of constituting a broad scientific base and thus a view consistent with current scientific understanding, a requirement that such an important set of guidelines is expected to satisfy. To assess if this requirement has been met, we investigated the span of authors and research groups of the referenced literature of the ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines and annexes. Our analysis shows that ICNIRP 2020 itself, and in practice all its referenced supporting literature stem from a network of co-authors with just 17 researchers at its core, most of them affiliated with ICNIRP and/or the IEEE, and some of them being ICNIRP 2020 authors themselves. Moreover, literature reviews presented by ICNIRP 2020 as being from independent committees, are in fact products of this same informal network of collaborating authors, all committees having ICNIRP 2020 authors as members. This shows that the ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines fail to meet fundamental scientific quality requirements and are therefore not suited as the basis on which to set RF EMF exposure limits for the protection of human health. With its thermal-only view, ICNIRP contrasts with the majority of research findings, and would therefore need a particularly solid scientific foundation. Our analysis demonstrates the contrary to be the case. Hence, the ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines cannot offer a basis for good governance.

Field models for the electromagnetic compatibility of wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles

PurposeThe paper presents the Finite Element (FE) evaluation of the magnetic field emitted by a Wireless Power Transfer Systems used to charge the battery of electrical vehicles. An original approach for reducing the mesh size of the 3D FE model is used.Design/methodology/approachA minicar equipped with a circular coil is considered, while the transmitting coil is coherent with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard. The different shape of the coils and a possible misalignment are considered as possible sources of emitted magnetic field, which a person could be exposed to. To this end, a FE model is implemented. Because of the complexity of the mesh, a suitable 3D model is used. This model is previously validated and then used for evaluating the magnetic field around the Wireless Power Transfer Systems (WPTS).FindingsThe magnetic flux density around the WPTS is calculated and compared with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) limits.Originality/valueThe proposed 3D model, whose validation is shown in the paper, is able to compute the magnetic field with high accuracy despite the presence of a conductive and ferromagnetic thin structure, the steel layer related to the car frame, which would need a very fine mesh with a large number of elements to solve Maxwell equations.

Protection of Workers Exposed to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: A Perspective on Open Questions in the Context of the New ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines

Workers in occupational settings are usually exposed to numerous sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and to different physical agents. Risk assessment for industrial workplaces concerning EMF is not only relevant to operators of devices or machinery emitting EMF, but also to support-workers, bystanders, service and maintenance personnel, and even visitors. Radiofrequency EMF guidelines published in 2020 by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) may also be indirectly applied to assess risks emerging from EMF sources at workplaces by technical standards or legislation. To review the applicability and adequacy to assess exposure to EMF in occupational settings in the European Union, the most current ICNIRP guidelines on radiofrequency EMF are reviewed. Relevant ICNIRP fundamentals and principles are introduced, followed by practical aspects of exposure assessment. To conclude, open questions are formulated pointing out gaps between the guidelines' principles and occupational practice, such as the impact of hot and humid environments and physical activity or controversies around ICNIRPS's reduction factors in view of assessment uncertainty in general. Thus, the article aims to provide scientific policy advisors, labor inspectors, or experts developing standards with a profound understanding about ICNIRP guidelines' applicability to assess hazards related to radiofrequency EMF in occupational settings.

Investigation of Cellular Base Transmitter Station Power Radiation using Spectrum Analyzer

&lt;p class="Abstract"&gt;The development of information and communication technology has spurred the development of the world of telecommunications. The development of telecommunications can be seen from the number of cellular service users supported by technological infrastructure in the form of BTS (Base Transmission Station). But in its development, there are social problems in the form of resistance from the community around BTS, one of the things that people worry about is the danger of radiation from BTS. This could be due to a lack of socialization and knowledge from the community. This study aims to provide education as well as quantitative evidence regarding radiation from BTS in Bulakrejo which is compared with safety standards from International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and Ministry of Communication and Information Indonesia. The result of investigation shows that received Power Radiation in near Base Station is safe according to regulatory standard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div id="gtx-trans" style="position: absolute; left: -5px; top: -20px;"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div id="simple-translate"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;

Analysis of Electromagnetic Environment in 1200 kV Single Circuit UHVAC Transmission Line by using FACE Software and Semi-empirical Formulae

In order to ensure efficient, bulk-power transmission over a long distance, need of increasing transmission-level voltage is being thought for the past many years. As a result, Ultra High Voltage AC (UHVAC) Transmission has appeared as a feasible solution. Many countries like Italy, Japan, USA, USSR, Brazil, China, India are developing technology for UHVAC transmission systems. Operating at 1000 kV (and above voltage level) demands careful design of transmission structure, switchgear, and equipment design. This paper presents a review of several studies carried out to analyze the electro-magnetic environment in UHVAC lines. The electromagnetic environment (Field, Audible Noise, Corona Loss, Radio Interference) of 1200 kV, Wardha-Aurangabad single-circuit transmission line, India is also evaluated using FACE (Field and Corona Effect) software. The results of the study of static AC field and magnetic field of the line are found to be within prescribed limits suggested by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines.

Measurement of Base Transceiver Station Exposure in the Extra-Village Environment- A Pilot Study

AbstractIn recent years, communication using electromagnetic (EM) radiation became an integral part of our lives. As a result, there is a large number of base transceiver stations (BTSs) which act as a source of high EM exposure for inhabitants mainly in the “hot-spot” areas. They employ higher values of radiation, thus, providing potentially harmful effects on living or working environment. The aim of this pilot study was to study a distribution of hot-spots and EMF power in a vicinity of BTSs. BTS was located in an extra-village area at least 500 m away from the nearest city or surrounded villages in the district of Martin. The targeted area of EM radiation from the BTS was divided into two smaller zones, the right and the left. For a better visualization, topographic maps were created. Using spectral analyzer Aaronia Spectran HF-6085, intensities of EMF within the frequency range from 880 – 960 MHz (GSM900) were recorded. Maximum values of EMF power flux density were 146.827 μW/m2in horizontal and 96.448 μW/m2in vertical plane. Minimal va lues were 0.052 μW/m2in horizontal and 0.179 μW/m2vertical plane respectively. The maps revealed two hotspots in the left zone and also two (smaller and larger) hotspots in the right zone. Our values were below the actual limits given by the Slovak Republic and the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) safety guidelines. However, the values from the hotspots were above the limits suggested by the BioInitiative Report. Our results indicate an elevation of EMF values in the hot-spots even in the extra-village areas. Further studies are needed to analyze in detail EMF parameters in the hot-spots, and their effects on living and working environments.

A Description of ICNIRP'S Independent, Best Practice System of Guidance on the Protection of People and the Environment from Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation.

In this statement, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) presents its structure, its activities, and general approach to providing guidance on NIR protection. The statement highlights ICNIRP's independence and presents the principle and requirements of no commercial or other vested interests. ICNIRP's funding arrangements and collaboration with other advisory bodies and radiation protection authorities are also described. The statement also presents the types of guidance documents that are produced by ICNIRP and the general approach in assessing scientific evidence.

Systematic numerical assessment of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields of transcranial magnetic stimulation.

PurposeThis study aims to perform a classification and rigorous numerical evaluation of the risks of occupational exposure in the health environment related to the administration of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment. The study investigates the numerically estimated induced electric field that occurs in the human tissues of an operator caused by exposure to the variable magnetic field produced by TMS during treatments. This could be a useful starting point for future risk assessment studies and safety indications in this context.MethodsWe performed a review of the actual positions assumed by clinicians during TMS treatments. Three different TMS coils (two circular and one figure‐of‐eight) were modeled and characterized numerically. Different orientations and positions of each coil with respect to the body of the operator were investigated to evaluate the induced electric (‐E) field in the body tissues. The collected data were processed to allow comparison with the safety standards for occupational exposure, as suggested by the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2010 guidelines.ResultsUnder the investigated conditions, exposure to TMS shows some criticalities for the operator performing the treatment. Depending on the model of the TMS coil and its relative position with respect to the operator's body, the numerically estimated E‐field could exceed the limits suggested by the ICNIRP 2010 guidelines. We established that the worst‐case scenario for the three coils occurs when they are placed in correspondence of the abdomen, with the handle oriented parallel to the body (II orientation). Working at a maximum TMS stimulator output (MSO), the induced E‐field is up to 7.32 V/m (circular coil) and up to 1.34 V/m (figure‐of‐eight coil). The induced E‐field can be modulated by the TMS percentage of MSO (%MSO) and by the distance between the source and the operator. At %MSO equal to or below 80%, the figure‐of‐eight coil was compliant with the ICNIRP limit (1.13 V/m). Conversely, the circular coil causes an induced E‐field above the limits, even when powered at a %MSO of 30%. Thus, in the investigated worst‐case conditions, an operator working with a circular coil should keep a distance from its edge to be compliant with the guidelines limit, which depends on the selected %MSO: 38 cm at 100%, 32 cm at 80%, 26.8 cm at 50%, and 19.8 cm at 30%. Furthermore, attention should be paid to the induced E‐field reached in the operator's hand as the operator typically holds the coil by hand. In fact in the hand, we estimated an induced E‐field up to 10 times higher than the limits.ConclusionsOur numerical results indicate that coil positions, orientations, and distances with respect to the operator's body can determine the levels of induced E‐field that exceed the ICNIRP limits. The induced E‐field is also modulated by the choice of %MSO, which is related to the TMS application. Even under the best exposure conditions, attention should be paid to the exposure of the hand. These findings highlight the need for future risk assessment studies to provide more safety information for the correct and safe use of TMS devices.

Implications of ICNIRP 2020 Exposure Guidelines on the RF EMF Compliance Boundary of Base Stations

In March 2020, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) released its new guidelines (ICNIRP 2020) on the limitation of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure in the frequency range 100 kHz–300 GHz. These have taken several years to develop and include the review of the latest scientific literature. Most countries worldwide currently apply the RF-EMF exposure limits provided in the ICNIRP 1998 guidelines and are expected to align their regulations according to the recently revised limits. In this paper, the implications of the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines on the RF-EMF compliance of base stations (BSs) for mobile communications are analyzed in detail. The study covers different types of BS products, from low-power small cells to macro cell equipment, operating within different frequency bands and of relevance for 2G to 5G mobile technologies. A direct comparison of the BS RF-EMF exclusion zones (or compliance boundaries), when the ICNIRP 2020 and the ICNIRP 1998 limits are applied, is provided. Since existing and future mobile equipment infrastructure is likely to be required to comply with the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines, the paper provides useful information to mobile equipment manufacturers, mobile operators, standardization bodies and regulators.

Survey of public exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields in the dwellings

Background: Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are generated from indoor electrical appliances and wiring. In 2002, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ELF magnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Therefore, the aim of this study as the first ever study conducted in Tehran was to survey the public exposure to ELF magnetic fields in dwellings, in 2018. Methods: In this study, 102 houses were selected using convenience sampling method. The magnetic field was measured based on the IEEE std 644-1994 standard using TES-1393 EMF tester. Spot measurements were done in three different rooms including kitchen, living room, and bedroom of each residential. Results: The average value of measurements taken in dwellings was 0.1 µT. There was a significant difference between total value of magnetic flux density and background level of magnetic flux density among 102 dwellings. There was also a non-significant difference among magnetic fields collected from kitchen, living room, and bedroom. The ELF magnetic fields collected from television and computer in different distances present that MFs decrease rapidly with increasing distance from the source. Conclusion: According to the statistical analysis, the average value of ELF magnetic field in Tehran, Iran, is the same as the recommended value provided by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).