EMF Radiation Exposure

Guidelines

17th Nov 19
Contents

1. Understanding Electromagnetic Spectrum, Ionizing & Non-Ionizing Radiations

2. EMF Exposure Limits/Guidelines Adopted Globally

3. What is ICNIRP - International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation

Protection

4. Existing RF – EMF Exposure Limits Apply to 5G

5. General Public Exposure

6. Conclusion

7. FAQs

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Electromagnetic Radiation & Its Properties

 Mm Wave radiation is nonionizing

Legacy Mobile Spectrum
because the photon energy is not nearly
sufficient to remove an electron from an
atom or a molecule.
 Other types of non-ionizing radiation
include visible light, infrared radiation
mm Spectrum (30MHz -100 GHz) (heat).

o Some electromagnetic waves carry so much energy that they have the ability to break bonds between molecules resulting in Ionization.
o In the electromagnetic spectrum, gamma rays (emitted by radioactive materials), cosmic rays and X-rays carry this property and are
called 'ionizing radiation'.
o Fields whose energy is insufficient to break molecular bonds are called 'non-ionizing radiation'.
o Radio signals are a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy. RF emissions from mobile phones and base stations are some 50,000
times lower than the levels at which the first health effects begin to be established. 3
EMF Guidelines/Human Exposure Limits Adopted Globally

Power
Frequency Density
Country /Guideline
Range (GHz) Restriction
(W/m2)
ICNIRP International 0.01 – 0.4 2
Commission for Non-Ionizing 0.4 - 2 f/200
Radiation Protection 2-300 10
FCC (Federal Communications
1.5-100 10
Commission)
China 0.3-300 0.1
Russia 0.3-300 0.1
Switzerland 1.8-300 0.1
Italy 0.0001-300 0.1
0.4 - 2 f/2000
India
2-300 1

Japan has Adopted ICNIRP

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ICNIRP - International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

• ICNIRP (International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) is

an international commission specialized in non-ionizing radiation protection in
Germany.

• The standards set by ICNIRP for emission levels are considered to be

the safest, and have been adopted by most of the countries across the globe
to ensure compliance against all the safety limits from EMF.

• In fact, the limits set by ICNIRP for RF emissions from mobile phones
and base stations are some 50,000 times lower than the levels at which
the first health effects begin to be established.

• The World Health Organization, is closely involved with the studies and
research being carried out by various international bodies, and has
recommended adoption of ICNIRP standards.

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 Existing RF – EMF Exposure Limits Apply to 5G
“The FCC sets radiofrequency limits in close consultation with the FDA and other health agencies. After a
thorough review of the record and consultation with these agencies, we find it appropriate to maintain the
Public health agencies confirm no health risks

existing radiofrequency limits, which are among the most stringent in the world for cell phones,” said Julius
Knapp, chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology.

Australia: ‘Although the 5G mobile phone network is new, limits set in safety standards, our understanding of
the evidence of health effects and the need for more research have not changed.’ (ARPANSA, 2019)
expected from 5G

Europe Union: ‘The strict and safe exposure limits for electromagnetic fields recommended at EU level apply
for all frequency bands currently envisaged for 5G.’ (European Commission, 2017).

Norway: ‘Measurements show that the total exposure from mobile and radio transmitters that we are exposed
to today is weak and is far below the limits for what is harmful to health. We have no reason to believe that
the introduction of 5G will change this.’ (DSA, 2019)

"…point-to-point microwave links and some other types of transmitters that have been present in the
environment for many years. ICNIRP guidelines apply up to 300GHz, well beyond the maximum (few tens of
GHz) frequencies provided for 5G". (PHE, 2019)
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Existing RF – EMF Exposure Limits Apply to 5G`

• 5G networks can use smart antenna technologies

(such as multiple input multiple output – MIMO).

• Conventional antennas provide coverage similar to

how a floodlight illuminates a wide area.

• The new antennas are like a flashlight providing

coverage where it is needed and reducing unwanted
signals. Smart antennas increase capacity and
improve efficiency

• Small cells are used by current mobile networks to

provide localized coverage or capacity and their use
will expand with 5G.

• They may be mounted on street lights or inside

buildings, where over 80% of mobile usage occurs in
developed markets.

• Measurements by the French spectrum agency

found that levels in nearby areas remained well
below the international safety guidelines.

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Negligible Radiation Exposure to General Public
Radiation Pattern
Secondary Lobe
Equation to Predict RF Fields :
“Pr (Watt/Sqmts) = EIRP (in Watts) / 4*3.14* R*R”
Primary Lobe High
EIRP
Site Power Antenna Min. Distance in front of R
Tech. EIRP (dBm) Freq Very High
Type (dBm) Gain (dB) Antenna (m)
Macro 46 16 62 3.6 1800
High
4G Small
32 8 40 0.29 1800
Cell
Macro 24 21 45 0.5 3800 Very Low
5G
Macro 30 21.5 51.5 1.1 28000 Medium
*For 4G, with 2R device penetration and avg. ~50% load, ~25% of total power will be
Very Low
transmitted by Antenna compared to 4T4R 160W.
* 5G , EIRP considered for <6GHz is 45dBm due to Satellite Interference. Low

I. EMF energy concentrated in Main Lobe Safety Zone

II. Antenna is intended to attenuate the energy in other directions by
1000times compared to Main lobe.
III. So negligible energy may get into the building as it is just below the main
Non-compliance
lobe. Zone
IV. The penetration loss of the roof & walls attenuate the signal level further
by 20 to 30dBm. This results in further loss of power to around 100-200
times. Compliance
V. Thus, radiations reached to the general public residing in the building is Zone
very negligible (1/100000th times less than that radiated by the antenna in
front direction) 8
Conclusion

1. International RF-EMF limits cover the frequencies and modulations relevant

to 5G and health agencies say that no health hazards are expected at levels
below the limits.

2. 5G assessments show levels similar to 4G meaning that overall exposures

will not change by much, remaining a small fraction of the limit values

3. mmWavefrequencies are used today by the mobile and satellite industries,

they have been extensively researched and are covered by the international
safety guidelines.

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FAQs

o Is 5G safe?
o The scientific consensus is that there are no known health risks from all forms of RF energy at
the low levels approved for everyday consumer use. The FCC/ICNIRP regulates RF emissions,
including millimeter waves from 5G devices and equipment, and has adopted the
recommendations of expert scientific organizations that have reviewed the science, including
dozens of studies focused specifically on millimeter waves, and established safe exposure
levels. Typical exposure to 5G devices—such as small cells attached to phone poles or
the sides of buildings—is far below the permissible levels and comparable to Bluetooth
devices and baby monitors

o Should federal regulations be updated for 5G?

o While 5G networks are new, the FCC/ICNIRP regulates RF emissions, including millimeter
wave frequencies from 5G devices and equipment, and has adopted the
recommendations of expert scientific organizations that have reviewed the science,
including dozens of studies focused specifically on millimeter waves, and established
safe exposure levels. With the assistance of several federal agencies focused on health
issues, the Federal Communications Commission constantly monitors this research and
has not indicated a need to change regulations.

o What is wireless radiation? Will 5G expose me to more wireless

radiation?
Wireless radiation sounds scary, but it’s really just the word scientists use to describe the type of energy
that moves in waves, including broadcast radio and television signals and signals from your baby monitor,
remote control or cellphone. The scientific consensus is that there are no known health risks from all forms
of RF energy at the low levels approved for everyday consumer use. While 5G networks are new, the
FCC regulates RF emissions, including millimeter wave frequencies from 5G devices and
equipment, and has adopted the recommendations of expert scientific organizations that have
reviewed the science, including dozens of studies focused specifically on millimeter waves, and
established safe exposure levels 10
Thank You

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Cont. FAQs - https://www.wirelesshealthfacts.com/faq/
o Have wireless devices and networks been shown to cause cancer in humans?
o No, according to the international scientific consensus, wireless devices and networks have not been shown to cause cancer in humans. In fact, an analysis of government statistics
shows that since the introduction of mobile phones in the 1980s, rates of brain cancer have remained unchanged while the exposure to RF energy from wireless networks has gone up.
Many studies have explored whether cellphones cause cancer with the American Cancer Society concluding that “RF waves given off by cell phones do not have enough energy to
damage DNA directly or to heat body tissues. Because of this, it’s not clear how cell phones might be able to cause cancer.”
o Did a recent National Toxicology Program (NTP) study establish a link between RF energy and cancer in humans?
o No, the NTP study did not establish a link between RF energy and cancer in humans. The authors of the study said that their findings did not apply to humans and that “the exposure
levels and durations in our studies were greater than what people experience.” After reviewing the study, the Food and Drug Administration agreed, saying that “the existing safety limits
for cell phones remain acceptable for protecting the public health.”
o Can RF energy from cellphones interfere with pacemakers?
o Radiofrequency (RF) energy from cellphones can interact with some electronic devices, producing what is known as electromagnetic interference. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has established a testing standard for the manufacture of cardiac pacemakers to ensure they are safe from RF. The FDA advises that anyone looking for an extra precautionary
step can hold their cellphone to the ear opposite the side of the body where the pacemaker is implanted, and avoid carrying a turned-on mobile phone in a pocket directly over the
pacemaker.
o Is RF energy a carcinogen?
o No, RF energy has never been classified as a carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies whether substances are known to cause cancer,
probably cause cancer or might cause cancer. In 2011 IARC listed RF energy as a possible carcinogen, alongside pickles, coffee and aloe. This classification applies to all forms of RF
energy, including broadcast television, broadcast radio, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, and signals from baby monitors, garage door openers and other everyday items. The classification
means that IARC believes scientists should continue to research RF energy.
o Do cellphones and wireless equipment have to meet safety standards?
o Yes. Safety standards are set by the Federal Communications Commission in order to protect public health and the Food and Drug Administration has said that “the existing safety
limits for cell phones remain acceptable for protecting the public health.” Wireless devices go through a rigorous approval process to ensure they meet guidelines and they operate well
under safety limits. These limits are based on recommendations from the scientific community and expert non-government organizations including the National Council on Radiation
Protection.
o What is the standard for testing and assuring the safety of wireless devices?
o The primary standard for testing is called the SAR, or Specific Absorption Rate. It is a measure of the rate at which the human body absorbs RF energy. This measurement and safety
ranges were developed by internationally recognized expert non-government organizations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the National
Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). These groups work in consultation with U.S. government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), among others. The allowable SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg), as averaged over one cubic gram of tissue. This standard,
adopted by the FCC in 1996, includes a margin of safety that is 50 times below the level of observed effects from thermal (heat) exposure (Christopher Davis, Testimony, 2019).
Wireless devices and antennas operate well under FCC thresholds and all wireless devices sold in the U.S. go through a formal FCC approval process to ensure that they comply with
the maximum allowable SAR level standard when operating at the device’s highest possible power level.
o If RF energy is safe, why does the government have safety limits?
o While RF energy is not strong enough to cause cell or DNA damage by ionization of atoms or molecules like X-rays can, high levels of RF exposure could cause heating, which is why
governments set exposure limits. Limits for wireless devices are set more than 50 times below the level at which heating caused by RF energy has been shown to have an observed
effect (Christopher Davis, Testimony, 2019). 12
Back Up

Min. Distance in front

Technology Site Type Traffic Load Power (W) Antenna Gain (dB) Freq
of Antenna (m)
100% 160 7.15
Macro 50% 80 16 5.05 1800
4G 50% (2R) 40 3.6
100% 3.2 0.42
Small Cell 8 1800
50% 1.6 0.29
Macro 100% 80 21 9
3800
5G Macro 100% 0.25 21 0.5
Macro 100% 1 21.5 1.1 28000

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References

https://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/GSMA_Safety-of-5G-Mobile-
Networks_July-2019.pdf

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-358968A1.pdf
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-devices-and-
health-concerns

https://www.wirelesshealthfacts.com/faq/

https://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/consumer-
affairs/emf-and-health/emf-science

https://www.wirelesshealthfacts.com/faq/

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