Setting Guidelines for Electromagnetic Exposures and Research Needs

Abstract

Current limits for exposures to nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) are set, based on relatively short‐term exposures. Long‐term exposures to weak EMF are not addressed in the current guidelines. Nevertheless, a large and growing amount of evidence indicates that long‐term exposure to weak fields can affect biological systems and might have effects on human health. If they do, the public health issues could be important because of the very large fraction of the population worldwide that is exposed. We also discuss research that needs to be done to clarify questions about the effects of weak fields. In addition to the current short‐term exposure guidelines, we propose an approach to how weak field exposure guidelines for long‐term exposures might be set, in which the responsibility for limiting exposure is divided between the manufacturer, system operator, and individual being exposed. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Apr 20, 2020
Source ID
10.1002/bem.22267

Entities

People

  • Ben Greenebaum
  • Frank Barnes

Organizations

  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • University of Colorado
  • University of Wisconsin–Parkside

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

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