CELEX: 51998PC0268
Language: en
Date: 1998-06-11
Title: Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields 0 Hz-300 GHz

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                       Brussels, 11.06.1998
                                       COM(1998) 268 final
                                       98/0166 (CNS)
                        Proposal for a
             COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
on the limitation of exposure of the general public
             to electromagnetic fields
                     0 Hz-300 GHz
               (presented by the Commission)
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                         EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
INTRODUCTION
With the advent of modern telecommunications, the expansion on a massive scale of
electrical and electronic equipment, and the proliferation of high-voltage electricity
transmission lines, interest in, and concerns about, the effects of electromagnetic fields
considerably increased over the recent years, and calls are constantly being made for
measures and guidelines in this area.
Radiation from electromagnetic fields is quasi-ubiquitous. For health protection purposes
it is usually distinguished between ionizing and non-ionizing. Community provisions with
respect to the former have been laid down pursuant to the Euratom Treaty.
Electromagnetic non-ionising radiation includes ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation,
infrared radiation (which together constitute optical radiation) and static and time-varying
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) The manner in which these different radiations and fields
interact with people is quite different and potential hazards have to be carefully assessed
For members of the general public, optical radiation presents significant adverse health
risks. There is convincing scientific evidence that exposure to the sun is a major risk
factor in skin cancer and may play a role in the onset of cataract. Depending on individual
circumstances, other exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as from sunbeds and
unshielded lamps, may also contribute to an individual's risk, but generally to a much
lesser extent than sun exposure.
Concerning exposure of the general public to visible radiation (light), the most important
with respect to potential for causing eye injury is laser radiation such as used for display
and entertainment purposes.
Guidelines for limiting exposure to optical radiation and recommendations for health
protection have been published by various international bodies, and are currently under
consideration at Community level.
With respect to electromagnetic fields, concerns have been raised about possible health
effects of exposure to artificially produced fields. While the acute effects of exposure to
EMFs are generally well established, there is an ongoing debate as to the existence of
long-term health effects, primarily cancer. In most Member States, authorities are
constantly questioned about such effects. There is no convincing scientific evidence of
EMFs causing cancer, however, and the concerns of the public can only be addressed
through the results of focused research. There are however, health effects of EMFs that
are well established, and these have been the object of various national regulations and
international guidelines aimed at avoiding or limiting exposure which may give rise to
them.
 ---pagebreak---   Regulations and guidelines in this area aim at establishing systems of health protection on
  the basis of scientifically derived principles and criteria, and comprise basic restrictions for
  exposure limitation and reference levels for taking appropriate action if the basic
  restrictions are not to be exceeded.
  Underpinning the setting of basic restrictions and reference levels is information and
 scientific data concerning the sources and types of EMFs and health effects that may result
 from exposure to them. These are reviewed below.
 SOURCES AND TYPES OF EMFs
 People are exposed at work and in their living environment to different EMFs originating
 from many man-made sources.
 Sources of static electric and magnetic fields
 In addition to the environmental static electric and magnetic fields, new technologies such
as visual display units (VDUs), and some public transportation systems, e.g. in
underground trains and tramways, which utilize Direct Current (DC) supplies may involve
exposure to static and slowly time varying fields.
Power lines and electric appliances
The principal artificial sources of extremely low frequency (ELF) fields are high voltage
(HV) transmission lines, and devices containing current carrying wires. Inside buildings
near HV transmission lines, electric fields are about 10 to 100 times lower than outside,
depending on the structure of the building and the type of materials. Common building
materials do not significantly attenuate magnetic fields. All electric appliances in homes
and at workplaces are potential sources of power frequency (50/60 Hz) electric and
magnetic fields. The magnetic fields vary from a few tenths of u.T to a few mT close to
appliances and drop off rapidly with distance.
Railway systems
Most of the European railway systems are electrified, using DC voltage or AC voltage
with frequencies of 16 2/3 Hz or 50 Hz. For instance, the resulting electric field strength
inside a train using AC voltage is only a few V/m, while on the platform field strengths
may be much higher The corresponding magnetic fields on the platform as well as inside
the train are about a few tens of iiT during acceleration of the train and are highly variable
with time.
Broadcast transmitters
Broadcast transmitters use frequency bands from around 145 kHz to I 10 MHz for LF,
MF, MF and VHF radio broadcasting, and from 147 to 854 MHz for UHF television
broadcasting Measurements at an MF station with two 50 kW and two 75 kW
 ---pagebreak--- transmitters have indicated that at a distance of 30 m from a 75 kW mast radiator electric
fields are about 275 V/m. Public access close to broadcast antennas is generally restricted.
Cellular radio
Mobile telecommunication systems can be divided into several categories, depending on
the type of telecommunication network they use. Cellular mobile phone systems involve
communication from hand-held radiotelephones or vehicle mounted transceivers to fixed
base stations. Analogue cellular systems operate with frequency bands of 150, 200, 450 or
900 MHz. The European digital system, based on the harmonised European standard
GSM, operates primarily at 900 MHz and has been used since 1992. A new system called
DCS 1800 operates at 1800 MHz with characteristics very similar to GSM, and future
systems will operate at even higher frequencies. Exposure to fields from hand-held mobile
telephones is generally restricted only to small regions of the user's body, in the head and
hand.
Mobile phone base stations
Base stations are usually mounted on separate towers or on the roofs of buildings, and
access to the immediate vicinity of antennas should be restricted. The transmitting
antennas are formed from vertical arrays of colinear dipoles which give a very narrow
vertical beam width. The downward tilt of the antennas is less than 10°, and hence public
exposure to the main beams is usually not possible at distances of less than about 60 m,
and human exposure levels are very low in most cases.
Radar
Radar systems use microwave frequencies from 500 MHz up to around 15 GHz, although
there are some systems operating up to 100 GHz. The signal produced differ from most of
the sources in that they are pulsed and give average powers which are several orders of
magnitude less than peak powers.
The antennas used for radars are moderately directive with main beams only a few degrees
wide. Many of the systems feature antennas whose direction is continuously varied by
rotating horizontally or nodding vertically.
Marine radar equipment ranges from large installations of super-tankers to the smaller
mast mounted equipment used by yachts. Under normal operating conditions with the
antenna rotating, the average power density of the higher power systems within a metre of
the turning circle of the radar system can be calculated to be less of 10 W m*2.
 ---pagebreak--- HEALTH EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS -A BASIS
FOR EXPOSURE RESTRICTIONS
Health effects result from coupling between fields and the body. There are established
basic coupling mechanisms through which static and time-varying electric and magnetic
fields directly interact with living matter1:
- coupling to static and ELF electric fields leads to surface charges on an exposed body
    which can be perceived;
- coupling to static magnetic fields by magnetic induction resulting in the flow of electric
    current and electric potentials across blood vessels; magnetomechanic interactions,
    resulting in forces on ferromagnetic molecules, magnetic particles and ferromagnetic
    implants; and electronic interaction processes which may affect chemical reactions;
- coupling to low-frequency electric fields results in the flow of electric charges (electric
    current), the polarisation of bound charge (formation of electrical dipoles), and the
    reorientation of electric dipoles already present in tissue;
- coupling to low-frequency magnetic fields results in induced electric fields and
    circulating electric currents that can lead to electrical stimulation effects;
- absorption of energy from electromagnetic fields of frequencies greater than 100 kHz
    or so, can lead to significant heating.
 In addition, there are two indirect coupling mechanisms:
- contact currents or transient discharges that result when the human body touches an
    object at a different electrical potential (i.e., when either the object or the human body
    is charged by an electromagnetic field);
- coupling of electromagnetic fields to medical devices worn by a human.
The evidence concerning health effects on which limitations of exposure are based can be
summarized separately for different frequency ranges.
Health effects of static fields
The few experimental studies that have been carried out on the biological effects of static
electric fields provide no evidence to suggest the existence of any adverse effects on
human health. For most people, the annoying perception of surface electric charges, acting
directly on the surface of the body, will not occur during exposure to static electric field
strengths of less than about 25 kV/m.
1
  United Nations Environment Programme/World Health Organization/International Radiation Protection
Association. Electromagnetic fields (300 Hz to 300 GHz). Geneva, World Health Organization;
Environmental Health Criteria 137; 1993
 ---pagebreak--- There is no direct experimental evidence of any acute adverse effect on human health from
exposure to static magnetic fields up to 2 T. From the analysis of established mechanisms
of interaction, long-term exposure to magnetic flux densities of 200 mT should not have
any adverse consequences on health.
Health effects of time varying fields at frequencies below 100 kHz
Laboratory studies on cellular and animal systems have found no established effects of
low-frequency fields that are indicative of adverse health effects when induced current
density is at or below 10 mA/m2. At higher levels of induced current density (10-100
mA/m2), more significant tissue effects have been consistently observed, such as functional
changes in the nervous system.
Measurement of biological responses in laboratory studies and in volunteers has provided
little indication of adverse effects of low-frequency fields at levels to which people are
commonly exposed. A threshold current density of 10 mA/m2 at frequencies up to 1 kHz
has been estimated for minor effects on nervous system functions. Among volunteers, the
most consistent effects of exposure are the appearance of visual phosphenes (faint
flickering visual sensation) and a minor reduction in heart rate during or immediately after
exposure to ELF fields, but there is no evidence that these transient effects are associated
with any long-term health risk. A reduction in nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis has
been observed in several rodent species following exposure to weak ELF electric and
magnetic fields, but no consistent effect has been reported in humans exposed to ELF
fields under controlled conditions.
There is no convincing experimental evidence that ELF electromagnetic fields cause
genetic damage and it is therefore extremely unlikely that they could have any effect on the
 initiation of cancer. There is little evidence from laboratory studies that power-frequency
 magnetic fields have a tumor-promoting effect. Although further animal studies are needed
 to clarify the possible effects of ELF fields on signals produced in cells and on endocrine
 regulation — both of which could influence the development of tumors by promoting the
 proliferation of initiated cells — it can only be concluded that there is currently no
 convincing evidence for carcinogenic effects of these fields and that these data cannot be
 used as a basis for developing exposure guidelines.
  Epidemiological data on cancer risk associated with exposure to extremely low frequency
  (ELF) fields among individuals living close to power lines seem to indicate a slightly
  higher risk of leukaemia among children. The studies do not, however, indicate a similarly
  elevated risk of any other type of childhood cancer or of any form of adult cancer. The
  basis for the hypothetical link between childhood leukemia and residence in close
  proximity to power lines is unknown. In the absence of support from laboratory studies,
  the epidemiological data are insufficient to allow the recommendation of an exposure limit.
  There have been reports of an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia,
  nervous tissue tumors, and, to a limited extent, breast cancer, among electrical workers. In
  most studies, job titles were used to classify subjects according to presumed levels of
 ---pagebreak--- magnetic field exposure. A few more recent studies, however, have used more
sophisticated methods of exposure assessment; overall, these studies suggested an
increased risk of leukemia or brain tumors but were largely inconsistent with regard to the
type of cancer for which risk is increased. The data are insufficient to provide a basis for
ELF field exposure guidelines. In a large number of epidemiological studies, no consistent
evidence of adverse reproductive effects have been provided.
Health effects of fields at frequencies between 100 kHz and 300 GHz
Available experimental evidence indicates that the exposure of resting humans for
approximately 30 minutes to EMF producing a whole-body Specific Absorption Rate
(SAR) of between 1 and 4 W/kg results in a body temperature increase of less than 1°C.
Animal data indicate a threshold for behavioral responses in the same SAR range.
Exposure to more intense fields, producing SAR values in excess of 4 W/kg, can
overwhelm the thermoregulatory capacity of the body and produce harmful levels of tissue
heating. Many laboratory studies with rodent and non-human primate models have
demonstrated the broad range of tissue damage resulting from either partial-body or
whole-body heating producing temperature rises in excess of 1-2 °C. The sensitivity of
various types of tissue to thermal damage varies widely, but the threshold for irreversible
effects in even the most sensitive tissues is greater than 4 W/kg under normal
environmental conditions. These data form the basis for an occupational exposure
restriction of 0.4 W/kg, which provides a large margin of safety for other limiting
conditions such as high ambient temperature, humidity, or level of physical activity.
Both laboratory data and the results of limited human studies make it clear that thermally
stressful environments and the use of drugs or alcohol can compromise the
thermoregulatory capacity of the body. Under these conditions, safety factors should be
introduced to provide adequate protection for exposed individuals.
Data on human responses to high-frequency EMFs that produce detectable heating have
been obtained from controlled exposure of volunteers and from epidemiological studies on
workers exposed to sources such as radar, medical diathermy equipment, and heat sealers.
They are fully supportive of the conclusions drawn from laboratory work, that adverse
biological effects can be caused by temperature rises in tissue that exceed 1°C.
Epidemiological studies on exposed workers and the general public have shown no major
health effects associated with typical exposure environments. Although there are
deficiencies in the epidemiological work, such as poor exposure assessment, the studies
have yielded no convincing evidence that typical exposure levels lead to adverse
reproductive outcomes or an increased cancer risk in exposed individuals. This is
consistent with the results of laboratory research on cellular and animal models, which
have demonstrated neither teratogenic nor carcinogenic effects of exposure to athermal
levels of high-frequency EMFs.
Exposure to pulsed EMFs of sufficient intensity leads to certain predictable effects such as
the microwave hearing phenomenon and various behavioural responses. Epidemiological
studies on exposed workers and the general public have provided limited information and
 ---pagebreak--- failed to demonstrate any health effects. Reports of severe retinal damage have been
challenged following unsuccessful attempts to replicate their findings.
A large number of studies of the biological effects of amplitude-modulated EMFs, mostly
conducted with low levels of exposure, have yielded both positive and negative results.
Thorough analysis of these studies reveals that the effects of AM fields vary widely with
the exposure parameters, the types of cells and tissues involved, arid the biological end-
points that are examined. In general, the effects of exposure of biological systems to
athermal levels of amplitude-modulated EMFs are small and very difficult to relate to
potential health effects. There is no evidence of frequency and power density windows of
response to these fields.
Shocks and burns can be the adverse indirect effects of high-frequency EMFs involving
human contact with metallic objects in the field. At frequencies of 100 kHz - 110 MHz
(the upper limit of the FM broadcast band), the threshold levels of contact current that
produce effects ranging from perception to severe pain do not vary significantly as a
function of the field frequency. The threshold for perception ranges from 25 to 40 mA in
individuals of different sizes, and that for pain from approximately 30 to 55 mA; above 50
mA there may be severe burns at the site of tissue contact with a metallic conductor in the
field.
 Formulation of basic restrictions for the exposure of the general
 public
 Based on previously summarized information on health effects, it can be concluded that:
 -   In a 200 mT static magnetic field, the calculated maximum induced current density (in
    the aorta) is 44 mA/m2, which is below that which would be expected to produce
     adverse haemodynamic or cardiovascular effects.
 - Functions of the central nervous system may be adversely affected by current densities
     above 10 mA/m2 at frequencies between approximately 5 Hz and 1 kHz, and by larger
     current densities at frequencies above and below this frequency range. This determines
     basic restrictions in terms of current density.
 - For frequencies above about 100 kHz, adverse biological effects can result from
     temperature elevations in tissue that exceed 1°C. From this, basic restrictions in terms
     of the specific energy absorption rate (SAR) are derived, for whole body and for
     localised exposure. For frequencies above 10 GHz, energy absorption is restricted to
     the surface of the exposed body, and basic restrictions are accordingly expressed in
     terms of power density.
  - The threshold levels of contact current are strongly frequency dependent between
     several Hz and 100 kHz. Over the frequency range from 100 kHz to 110 MHz (the
     upper limit of the FM broadcast band), the threshold levels of contact current that
     produce effects ranging from perception to severe pain do not vary significantly as a
 ---pagebreak---    function of the field frequency. Reference levels for both contact current and induced
   current are set in order to determine whether caution must be excercised to avoid shock
   and burn hazards.
The uncertainty in the scientific data, and the variations in terms of individual susceptibility
as well as variations in actual exposure situations necessitate the use of safety factors when
deriving restrictions to exposure.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT MEASURES TAKEN BY MEMBER
STATES
Only a few Member States have promulgated comprehensive regulations and standards for
the protection of the general public against electromagnetic radiation. In view of mounting
public concern on this subject, however, several Member States and third countries are
giving urgent consideration to adopting health protection measures. In this context some
Member States indicated a need to obtain orientations as to the nature and extent of such
health protection measures.
Some Member States have issued recommendations and some introduced compulsory
provisions for either low and/or high frequency electromagnetic fields. A review of
provisions and guidelines in this field was published by the Commission2. In general,
Member States make a distinction between health protection requirements of workers and
members of the general public. One Member State, however, does not adhere to this
rationale, but distinguishes between exposure of adults and children.
OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITY ACTS OF RELEVANCE
Public Health
The European Parliament adopted in 1994 a resolution on combating the harmful effects
of non-ionizing radiation3 and called on the Commission to propose regulations and
standards seeking to limit the exposure of workers and the public to non-ionizing
electromagnetic radiation.
In the context of the framework for action in the field of public health4, the Commission
adopted on 4 June 1997 a proposal for a programme of Community action 1999-2003 on
pollution-related diseases5 which takes account of the fact that health risks including those
associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields, are often perceived by the public very
differently from what is established by scientific evidence; consequently, the Commission
proposed to tackle this problem with actions targeted at improving capactiy in the Member
2
  European Commission, Non-ionizing radiation: Sources, exposure and health effects, Office for Official
Publications of the European Communities, 1996, ISBN 92-827-5492-8
3
  OJ N° C 205, 25.7.94, p. 439
4
  COM (93) 559 final, 24.11.1993
5
  OJ N° C 214, 16.7.1997, p. 7-10
 ---pagebreak---                                                 10
  States to acquire a better understanding of public perceptions of environmental health
  risks, and better explain how they are assessed and managed.
 Health and Safety at Work
 Minimum requirements in respect of the protection of workers against certain exposure
  situations have been laid down pursuant to Article 118A of the EC Treaty.
 Health and safety protection requirements for work with display screen equipment were
 laid down in Council Directive 90/270/EEC6. This obliges employers to take appropriate
 steps to ensure that workstations, i.e. an assembly of visual display units, keyboards,
 accessories and periphals including telephone, modem and printer, meet certain minimum
 requirements. All radiation with the exception of the visible part of the electromagnetic
 spectrum must be reduced to negligible levels from the point of view of the protection of
 workers' safety and health.
 Council Directive 92/85/EEC7 on the introduction of measures to encourage
 improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers stipulates that the
 employer has to assess all activities liable to involve a specific risk of exposure to agents,
 including non-ionizing radiation, processes or working conditions, and has to look into the
 nature, degree and duration of exposure, in order to decide what measures should be
 taken.
Moreover, the Commission presented in 1993 a proposal for a Council Directive on the
minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers arising from
physical agents8. The physical agents to which the Directive would apply are noise,
mechanical vibration, optical radiation and other electromagnetic fields and waves. The
proposed directive, which was amended subsequent to the opinion of the European
Parliament in a first reading9 refers to risks to the health and safety of workers due to the
effects of electric fields and currents, as well as of absorption of energy, resulting from
exposure to static and time-varying electric and magnetic fields with frequencies up to
300G Hz.
Product Safety
Essential requirements related to emission characteristics of machinery have been laid
down at Community level in the context of the establishment of the Internal Market, in
particular on the basis of Article 100A of the EC Treaty. Council Directive 73/23/EEC10
on the harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment
designed for use within certain voltage limits and specially Annex 1 thereof establishes that
electrical equipment may be placed onto the market only if it complies with certain
6
  OJN°L156, 21.6.90, p. 14-18
7
  OJN°L348, 28.11.92, p. 1-8
8
   OJ N° C 77, 18.3.1993, p. 12-29
9
   OJ N° C 230, 19.8.1994, p. 3-29
10
    OJ N° L 077, 26.3.73, p. 29-33
 ---pagebreak---                                                    II
 essential requirements which include measures to ensure that temperatures, arcs or
 radiation which would cause danger are not produced.
 Council Directive 89/336/EECn on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
 relating to electromagnetic compatibility aims at avoiding electromagnetic disturbance in
 order to provide adequate protection to apparatus such as telecommunications networks,
 industrial and manufacturing equipment, medical and scientific apparatus, information
 technology equipment or domestic appliances and household electronic equipment. To this
 end, the apparatus covered b\ the Directive shall be constructed so that the
 electromagnetic disturbance gene ted does not exceed a level allowing radio and
télécommunications equipment an* other apparatus to operate as intended; and the
 apparatus has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity of electromagnetic disturbance to
 enable it to operate as intended.
 Environmental impact Assessment
Council Directive 85/337/EEC12 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and
private projects on the environment as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC1'1 applies,
amongst other projects, to the construction of overhead electrical power lines with a
voltage of 220kV or more and a length of more than 15 km. This means that developers
will have to provide information on the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and,
if possible, remedy significant adverse effects, as well as an outline of main alternatives
studied by the developer and an indication of the main reasons for his choice.
In order to complement provisions of Directive 97/11/EC, the Commission proposed a
Council Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the
environment14. The proposal aims at plans and programmes which are part of a town and
country planning decision-making process for the purpose of establishing the framework
for subsequent development consent, including strategic plans and programmes adopted in
the energy, transport and telecommunications sectors.
Research
Under the fourth framework programme of the European Community for research,
technological development and demonstration (1994-98)15 a number of EMF-related
research activities has been or is still carried out. In particular, Biomed 2, COST and the
Standard, Measurement and Testing programmes have supported proposals, and some of
them are still ongoing.
Potential adverse health effects from exposure to radioffequencies were also addressed in
the Commission's Green Paper on a common approach in the field of mobile and personal
" OJ N° L 139, 23.05.89, p. 19-26
12
   OJ N° L 175, 5.7.85, p. 40-48
,3
   O J N ° L 7 3 , 14.3.97, p. 5-15
14
   COM (96) 511 final, and OJ N° C 129, 25.4.97, p. 14
,5
   OJN°L126, 18.5.94, p. 1-33
 ---pagebreak---                                                    12
 communications16. As a result and in response to the European Parliaments Resolution on
 combating the harmful effects of non-ionising radiation, the Commission confirmed the
 need for further research in this area, and a working group of experts elaborated for the
 Commission pertinent recommendations for epidemiological, biophysical and biological
 research, and also for research on exposure systems and dosimetry. The proposed research
 agenda17 covers also effects on the immune system, nervous system-related effects, and
 genetic and cancer-related effects. These have been and still are of utmost concern to the
 public and the European Parliament.
 The Commission took account of the experts' recommendations, and of the need for
 research with respect to health effects from exposure to other frequencies, when drawing
 up its proposal concerning the 5th framework programme of the European Community for
 research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002)18.
 Moreover, the Commission recognises that risk communication is clearly important in this
 area because of the controversy over alleged long-term effects, and has proposed research
 on gaining a better understanding of the public's risk perception and on the assessment,
 communication and management of risks.
 THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS
 The ever-growing involvement of the Community in promoting activities in various
industrial sectors likely to increase exposure of the population to electromagnetic fields,
and the mounting concern over their effects of decision-makers, health professionals,
interest groups, and members of the public, make it imperative to undertake efforts to
establish commonly-agreed principles in this field at Community level.
Requirements that exist in some Member States result in varying regimes as regards the
public's protection against electromagnetic fields. The existing variations and gaps in
provisions and guidelines contribute to a sense of confusion and insecurity felt by many
Community citizens and undermines confidence in health protection authorities. In keeping
with the goal of making a contribution towards ensuring a high level of health protection
to the citizens of the Community, and in view of the moves in this area undertaken by
some Member States, the Commission considers it necessary to propose a common
framework for protection of the general public to electromagnetic fields. Such a
framework can be put in place by Council recommendations under Article 129 of the EC
Treaty, and should deal with the general principles of limitation of exposures so that
adverse health effects can be prevented.
The aim of the proposal for a Council Recommendation is, therefore, to provide for a
commonly agreed framework concerning a high level of protection against exposure of the
general public to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), based on a set of basic restrictions and
16
   COM(94) 145 final
17
   The document "studyhr.doc" can be downloaded from the internet site
http://www.ispo.cec.be/infosoc/telecompoliy/en
18
   COM (97) 142 final, and OJ N° C 173, 7.6.97, p. 10
 ---pagebreak---                                                      13
reference levels developed internationally by the foremost experts in this field. The
proposed recommendations on basic restriction and reference levels follow the advice of
the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and are
based on the best available scientific data. They concern exposure of individual members
 of the public and not emissions from specific devices or equipment. The advice of ICNIRP
 has been endorsed by the Commission's Scientific Steering Committee.
The proposed recommendation is not intended to apply to occupational exposure and
exposure of patients and voî uteers during medical procedures. Problems of
electromagnetic compatibility and terference with medical devices are not addressed in
this proposal. Providing for a comprehensive system of protection m thh area which
includes detailed provisions and guidelines relevant not only to the exposure of individuals
but also to the emissions from equipment and the burden from practices involving such
exposures should be the task of the Member States, account taken of Community
provisions in this field.
The recommended basic restrictions are directly based on established health effects only.
The reference levels are recommended to be used for practical exposure assessment
purposes.19 Respect of reference levels will ensure respect of the relevant basic restriction.
If the measured value exceeds the reference level, it does not necessarily follow that the
basic restriction will be exceeded. Under such circumstances, however, there is a need to
establish whether the basic restriction has indeed been respected.
It is recommended that when an exceedance of reference levels occurs, an assessment of
the exposure situation should be carried out; it is up to the Member States to arrange for
assessments and follow-up actions. The assessment of the actual exposure situation could
take criteria such as the duration of the exposure, the exposed parts of the body, the
number of exposed members of the public, their age and health status into account.
Follow-up actions would have to be decided by the Member States with respect to the
specific exposure situation which might call for measures such as the provision of
information for the public exposed, the establishment of minimum distances to be kept to
the source of exposure, changes in the installation or design of the specific source, or in
the way the source is operated. Member States might decide to consider cost-benefit
aspects when such action in respect of the exposure of members of the public is
undertaken.
Finally, in order to take timely stock of the regulatory and actual exposure situation and of
any scientific or technological developments that may require a prompt response, the
Commission proposes that the Member States prepare reports on their measures and
guidelines in the field covered by the proposed recommendation, and indicating how the
latter has been taken into account, and that an overall report be presented by the
Commission based on the reports of the Member States.
19 A similar system has been proposed for health and safety requirements for the protection of workers
     were a framework of threshold values and action values was presented.
 ---pagebreak---                           14
              PROPOSAL FOR A
     COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
on the limitation of exposure of the general public
             to electromagnetic fields
                  0 Hz-300 GHz
            (presented by the Commission)
 ---pagebreak---  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION;
 Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in
 particular Article 129 thereof;
 Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1,
 Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament2;
 1. Whereas in accordance with point (o) of Article 3 of the Treaty, Community
      action must include a contribution towards the attainment of a high level of
      health protection;
2. Whereas the European Parliament in its resolution on combating the harmful
      effects of non-ionizing radiation3 called on the Commission to propose
      measures seeking to limit the exposure of workers and the public to non-
      ionizing electromagnetic radiation;
3. Whereas Community minimum requirements for the protection of health and
      safety of workers in relation to electromagnetic fields exist for work with
      display screen equipment4; whereas Community measures were introduced to
      encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers
      and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding5 which oblige,
      inter alia, employers to assess activities which involve a specific risk of
      exposure to non-ionizing radiation; whereas minimum requirements have been
      proposed for the protection of workers from physical agents6 which include
      measures against non-ionizing radiation;
4. Whereas it is imperative to protect members of the general public in the
      Community against established adverse health effects that may result as a
      consequence of exposure to electromagnetic fields;
5. Whereas measures with regard to electromagnetic fields should afford all
      Community citizens a high level of protection; whereas provisions by Member
1
   OJ xxx
2
   O.J. xxx
3 O.J. N ° C 205, 25.7.94, p. 439
4
  O.J.N°L156,21.6.90,p. 14-18
5
  O.J.N°L 348, 28.11.92, p. 1-8
6
   O.J. N° C 77, 18.3.93, p. 12 and O.J. N° C 230, 19.8.94, p. 3-29
 ---pagebreak---                                              16
    Slates in this area should be based on a commonly agreed framework, so as to
    ensure consistency of protection throughout the Community;
6. Whereas in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, any new measure
    taken in an area which does not fall within the exclusive competence of the
    Community, such as non-ionizing radiation protection of the public, may be
    taken up by the Community only if, by reasons of the scale or effects of the
    proposed action, the objectives proposed can be better achieved by the
    Community than by Member States;
7. Whereas there is a need to establish a Community framework for the protection
    of    the    public   with regard   to  electromagnetic    fields   by  means    of
     recommendations to Member States.
8.    Whereas this framework must be based on the best available scientific data and
     advice in this area and should comprise basic restrictions and reference levels
     on exposure to electromagnetic fields; whereas advice on this matter has been
     given by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
     (ICNIRP) and has been endorsed by the Commission's Scientific Steering
     Committee.
9. Whereas such basic restrictions and reference levels should apply to all
     radiations emitted by electromagnetic fields with the exception of optical
     radiation and ionizing radiation; whereas for the former relevant scientific data
     and advice still requires additional consideration, and whereas for the the latter
     Community provisions already exist;
 10. Whereas adherence to the recommended restrictions and reference levels
      should provide a high level of protection in respect of established health effects
      that may result from exposure to electromagnetic fields, but may not
      necessarily avoid intereference problems with, or effects on the functioning of,
      medical     devices  such as metallic prothèses, cardiac pacemakers and
      defibrillators, and cochlear implants; whereas interference problems with
      pacemakers may occur at levels below the recommended reference levels and
       should be the object of appropriate precautions which, however, are not within
       the scope of this recommendation;
 ---pagebreak---                                              17
11. Whereas,     in   accordance    with  the   principle  of    proportionality,    this
    recommendation must set general principles and methods of protection for
    members of the public while leaving it to the Member States to provide for
    detailed rules for sources and practices giving rise to exposure                   to
    electromagnetic fields and the classification of conditions of exposure of
    individuals as work-related or not, account taken of and in accordance with,
    Community provisions concerning the safety and health protection of workers;
12. Whereas Member States may provide for a higher level of health protection
    than that reflected in these recommendations;
13. Whereas measures by the Member States in this area, whether binding or non-
    binding and the way they have taken into account these recommendations
    should be the object of reports at national and Community level;
14. Whereas in order to increase awareness of risks and measures of protection
    against electromagnetic fields the Member States should promote the
    dissemination of information and rules of practice in this field, in particular with
    regard to the design, installation and use of equipment, so as to aim to obtain
    that levels of exposure will not exceed the recommended restrictions;
15. Whereas attention should be paid to             appropriate understanding       and
    communication on risks related to electromagnetic fields taking into account
    public perceptions of such risks;
16. Whereas the Member States should take note of progress made in scientific
    knowledge and technology with respect to non-ionising radiation protection;
    whereas these recommendations should be reviewed in particular in the light of
    guidance by competent international organisations such as the International
    Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection;
 ---pagebreak---                                             18
 IIKRKBY RK(X)MMRNDS Tl IAT
 I     Member States assign for the purpose of this Recommendation to the
       physical quantities listed in Annex I.A the meaning given to them therein;
 II.   Member States, in order to provide for a high level of health protection
       against exposure to electromagnetic fields:
       a)      adopt a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels using as
               a basis that given in Annex IB;
       b)      implement measures in respect of sources or practices giving rise to
               exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields on the basis
               of such a framework;
      c)       aim to achieve respect of the basic restrictions given in Annex II for
               public exposure;
III.  Member States, in order to facilitate and promote respect of the basic
      restrictions given in Annex II:
      a)      use the reference levels given in Annex III for exposure assessment
              purposes to determine whether the basic restrictions are likely to be
              exceeded;
      b)      evaluate situations involving sources of more than one frequency in
              accordance with the formulas set up in Annex IV, both in terms of
              basic restrictions and reference levels;
IV.  Member States, in order to increase understanding of risks and protection
     against exposure to electromagnetic fields:
     provide in an appropriate format information to the public on the health
     impact of electromagnetic fields and the measures taken to address them;
 ---pagebreak---                                          19
V    Member States, in order to enhance knowledge about the health effects of
    elect lomai'.uelic fields
     promote and review research relevant to l;.Mf and human health in the
     context of their national research programmes, taking into account
     Community and international research recommendations and efforts,
VI.  Member States, in order to contribute to the establishment of a consistent
     system of protection agar.si risks of exposure to electromagnetic fields:
    prepare reports on the adoption and implementation of measures that they
    take in the field covered by this Recommendation, and inform the
    Commission thereof after a period of three years following the adoption of
    this Recommendation, indicating how the latter has been taken into account
    in these measures.
    iNviri'is
    the Commission to prepare a report for the Community as a whole taking
    into account the reports of the Member States, and keep the matters
    covered in this recommendation under review, with a view to its revision
    and updating.
    Done at llrussels,                                    foi the Council
                                                          The President
 ---pagebreak---                                                 21)
  ANNEX S
  DK1 INITIONS
  in the context of this recommendation, the term electromagnetic fields include static
  fields, extremely low frequency (FFF) fields and radiofrequency (Rl ; ) fields, including
  microwaves, encompassing the frequency range of 0 Hz to 300 GHz.
  A. Physical Quantities
  In the context of EM F exposure, eight physical quantities are commonly used:
  I. ( \>ntaci current ('/<•) between a person and an object is expressed in amperes (A). A
      conductive object in an electric field can be charged by the field.
 2 Current density (J) is defined as the current (lowing through a unit cross section
      perpendicular to its direction in a volume conductor such as the human body or part
      of it, expressed in amperes per square metre (A/irf).
 3. Idectric field strength is a vector quantity (K) that corresponds to the force exerted
      on a charged particle* regardless of its motion in space. It is expressed in volts per
      metre (V/m).
 •I Magnetic field strength is a vector quantity (31), which, together with the magnetic
      llux density, specifies a magnetic field at any point in space. It is expressed in
      amperes pel metre (Ami)
 5. Magnetic flux density is a vector quantity (B), resulting in a force that acts on
      moving charges, it is expressed in teslas (T). In free space and in biological
      materials, magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength can be interchanged
      using the equivalence 1 A m"1 ~ 47C 10"7 T.
(>. Power density (S) is the appropriate quantity used for very high frequencies, where
     the depth of penetration in the body is low. It is the radiant power incident
     perpendicular to a surface, divided by the area of the surface and is expressed in
     watts per square metre (YV/nf ).
7 Specific energy absorption (SA) is defined as the energy absorbed per unit mass of
     biological tissue, expressed in joules per kilogram (J/kg). In these recommendations
     it is used for limiting non-thermal effects from pulsed microwave radiation.
X Specific energy absorption rate (SAR) averaged over the whole body or over parts
     of the body, is defined as the rate at which energy is absorbed per unit mass of the
     body tissue and is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg). Whole body SAR is a
     widely accepted measure for relating adverse thermal effects to RF exposure. Be-
     sides the whole body average SAR, local SAR values are necessary to evaluate and
     limit excessive energy deposition in small parts of the body resulting from special
     exposure conditions. Examples of such conditions are: a grounded individual
     exposed to RF in the low MHz range and individuals exposed in the near field of an
     antenna.
 ---pagebreak---                                               21
Of these quantities, magnetic tlux density, contact current, electric and magnetic field
strengths and power density can be measured directly.
B. Basic restrictions and reference levels
For the application of restrictions based on the assessment of possible health effects of
electromagnetic fields, differentiation should be made between basic restrictions and
reference levels.
    lutsic restrictions. Restrictions on exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and
    electromagnetic fields that at based directly on established health effects and
    biological considerations are termed "basic restrictions". Depending upon the
    frequency of the field, the physical quantities used to specify these restrictions are
    magnetic llux density (B), current density (.1), specific energy absorption rate
    (SAR), and power density (S). Magnetic flux density and power density can be
    readily measured in exposed individuals.
    Reference levels. These levels are provided for practical exposure assessment
    purposes to determine if* the basic restrictions are likely to be exceeded. Some
    icierenee levels are derived from relevant, basic restrictions using measurements
    and/or computational techniques and some address perception and adverse indirect
    effects of exposure to l'Mls. The derived quantities are electric field strength (E),
    magnetic field strength (H), magnetic llux density (B), power density (S), and limb
    current (//). Quantities that address perception and other indirect effects are
    (contact) current (/.•) and, for pulsed fields, specific energy absorption (SA). In any
    particular exposure situation, measured or calculated values of any of these
    quantities can be compared with the appropriate reference level. Respect of the
    reference level will ensure respect of the relevant basic restriction. If the measured
    value exceeds the reference level, it does not necessarily follow that the basic
    icstriction will be exceeded. Under such circumstances, however, there is a need to
    establish whether there is respect of the basic restriction.
 Quantitative restrictions on static electric fields are not given in these
 recommendations. However, it is recommended that annoying perception of surface
 electric charges and spark discharges causing stress or annoyance should be avoided.
 Some quantities such as the magnetic tlux density (B) and the power density (S) serve
 both as basic restrictions and reference levels, at certain frequencies (see Annex II and
 HI)
 ---pagebreak---                                              22
ANNKX II
BASIC RESTRICTIONS
Depending on frequency, the following physical quantities (dosimetric / exposimetric
quantities) are used to specify the basic restrictions on electromagnetic fields:
Between 0 and 1 Hz basic restrictions are provided for magnetic flux density for static
magnetic fields (0 Hz) and current density for time varying fields up to 1 Hz, in order
to prevent effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous system.
Between 1 Hz and 10 MHz basic restrictions are provided for current density to
prevent effects on nervous system functions.
Between 100 kHz and 10 (ill/, basic restrictions on SAR are provided to prevent
whole-body heat stress and excessive localised heating of tissues In the range 100 kHz
to 10 Ml I/, i est i id ions on both anient density and SAR are provided.
Between K) (ill/ ami >()() (ill/ basic leshielions on power density aie provided to
pi event heating in tissue at or near the body suiface
The basic restrictions, given in fable 1, are set so as to account for uncertainties
related to individual sensitivities, environmental conditions, and for the fact that the
age and health status of members of the public vary.
 ---pagebreak---                                                  23
Table 1 :         Basic restrictions for electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (0 Hz -
                 300 GHz).
Frequency range       Magnetic     Current     Whole body Localised          Localised    Power
                      flux         density     average SAR SAR (head SAR                 density,
                     density       (mA/m2)     (W/kg)         and trunk) (limbs)         S
                      (mT)         (rms)                      (W/kg)         (W/kg)       (W/m2)
0 Hz                 40            —           —              —              -
>(M Hz                ~            8           ~              -              -
MHz                   -            8/f         -              -              --
4 - 1000 Hz           -            2           -              -              -
1000 Hz -100 kHz      ~            #500        -              —              --
100 kHz-10 MHz        -            f/500       0.08           2              4
10 MHz- 10 GHz        ~            -           0.08           2              4
IO-100GHz             _„           __          „              _.             —            10
Noies
 1. / i s the frequency in Hz.
2. The basic restriction on the current density is intended to protect against acute
     exposure effects on central nervous system tissues in the head and trunk of the body
     and includes a safety factor
3. Because of electrical inhomogeneity of the body, current densities should be averaged
     over a cross section of 1 cm2 perpendicular to the current direction.
4. For frequencies up to 100 kHz, peak current density values can be obtained by
     multiplying the rms value by V2 (-1.414). For pulses of duration /p the equivalent
     frequency to apply in the basic restrictions should be calculated a s / = l/(2/p).
5 For frequencies up to 100 kHz and for pulsed magnetic fields, the maximum current
     density associated with the pulses can be calculated from the rise/fall times and the
     maximum rate of change of magnetic flux density. The induced current density can
     then be compared with the appropriate basic restriction.
6. All SAR values are to be averaged over any 6-minute period.
7. Localized SAR averaging mass is any 10 g of contiguous tissue; the maximum SAR so
     obtained should be the value used for the estimation of exposure.
8. For pulses of duration tp the equivalent frequency to apply in the basic restrictions
     should be calculated a s / = l/(2/p). Additionally, for pulsed exposures, in the frequency
     range 0.3 to 10 GHz and for localised exposure of the head, in order to limit and avoid
      auditory effects caused by thermoelastic expansion, an additional basic restriction is
      recommended. This is that the SA should not exceed 2mJ kg"1 averaged over 10 g of
     tissue.
 ---pagebreak---                                               24
ANNEX HI
Reference Levels
Reference levels of exposure are provided for the purpose of comparison with values
of measured quantities. Respect of all recommended reference levels will ensure
respect of basic restrictions.
If the quantities of measured values are greater than the reference levels , it does not
necessarily follow that the basic restrictions have been exceeded. In this case, an
assessment should be made as to whether exposure levels are below the basic
restrictions.
 flie reference levels for limiting exposure aie obtained from the basic restrictions for
the condition o\' maximum coupling o\' the field to the exposed individual, thereby
providing maximum protection. A summary of the reference levels is given in 'fables 2
and 3. The reference levels are generally intended to be spatially averaged values over
the dimension of the body of the exposed individual, but with the important proviso
that the localised basic restrictions on exposure are not exceeded.
 In certain situations where the exposure is highly localised, such as with hand-held
 telephones and the human head, the use of reference levels is not appropriate. In such
 cases respect of the localised basic restriction should be assessed directly.
 ---pagebreak---                                                  25
l'leId levels
 fable 2           Reference levels for electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (0 11/.
                   300 (ill/, unperturbed uns values)
  Frequency range            E-field        H-tield        B-field      Equivalent plane
                             strength       strength       (tff)        wave power density
                             (Vim)          (A/m)                       SeM (W/m2)
  0-1 Hz                      -             3.2 x 104      4xl() 4         -
  l-Xllz                     10,000         3.2x10Vl°      4xioVr'         -
  X 25 Hz                    10,000         4,000/f        5,000/f         -
  0.025 -O.Xkll/.            250/t"         4/f            5/f             -
  O.X 3 kHz                  250/f          5              6 25            -
  3 - . 150 kHz              X7             5              6.25            -
  0 15-1 Mil/.               X7             073/f          0»2/f           -
  l-IOMHz                    S7/I"1 •"      073/f          03>2/f          -
  10 400 Mil/.               2X             0.073          0.092           _?
                                       1
  400 -2000 Mil/.             1.375 f '     0.0037 I"1 •"  0.0046 lq '     f/200
  2     300 (ill/.           61             O.K.           0.20            10
Notes:
 1.       / a s indicated in the frequency range column.
2.         For frequencies between 100 kHz and 10 GHz, o'u,, E2, H \ and B 2 are to
           averaged over any 6-minute period.
3.         For frequencies exceeding 10 GHz, 4S'cq, L \ H", and B~ are to be averaged over
           any OS//10>--minute period (/'in GHz).
 1         No F-lield value is provided for frequencies • I Hz, which are effectively static
           electiic fields For most people the annoying perception of surface electric
           charge.1; will not occur at field strengths less than 25 kV/m. Spark discharges
           causing stress or annoyance should be avoided.
lor peak values, the following icfcrcnce levels apply lo the l\-licld strength (V/m), II-
lield strength (A/m) and the U-lield (p f):
       For frequencies up to 100 kHz, peak reference values are obtained by multiplying
       the corresponding rms values by v2 ( I 414) For pulses oi~ duration /,, the
       equivalent frequency to apply should be calculated a s / - : 1/(2/,,).
       For frequencies between 100 kHz and 10 MHz peak reference values are obtained
       by multiplying the corresponding rms values by
                       10" , where a - (0.665 log(f/105)+0.176), fin kHz
-      For frequencies between 10 MHz and 300 GHz peak reference values are obtained
       by multiplying the corresponding rms values by 32.
 Although little information is available on the relation between biological effects and
 peak values of pulsed fields, it is suggested that, for frequencies exceeding 10 MFIz,
 SCI| as averaged over the pulse width should not exceed 1000 times the reference levels
 or that field strengths should not exceed 32 times the fields strength reference levels.
 For frequencies between about 0.3 (il 1/ and several (il Iz and for localised exposure of
 ---pagebreak---                                                26
the head, in order to limit or avoid auditory effects caused by thermoelastic expansion,
the specific absorption from pulses must be limited. In this frequency range, the
threshold SA of 4-16 mJ kg'1 for producing this effect corresponds, for 30-ps pulses,
to peak SAR values of 130-520 W kg"1 in the brain. Between 100 kHz and 10 MHz,
peak values for the fields strengths are obtained by interpolation from the I 5-fold peak
at 100 kHz to the 32-fold peak at 10 MHz.
( 'on (act currents      at id limb   currents
 For frequencies up to 110 Mil/, additional reference levels are recommended to avoid
hazards due to contact currents. The contact current reference levels are presented in
 laltle 3. The reference levels on contact current were set to account for the fact that
the threshold contact currents that elicit biological responses in adult women and
children are approximately two-thirds and one-half, respectively, of those for adult
men
    Me 3:          Reference levels for contact currents from conductive objects
                   (fin kHz)
    Frequency range                      Maximum contact
                                         current (mA)
    0 H z - 2 . 5 kHz                    0.5
    2.5 kHz- 100 kHz                     «.2 f
     lOOjdlz- I 10 MHz                   20
I oi the frequency range It) Ml 1/ to 1 10 Ml I/, a reference level of 15 mA in terms of
current through any limb is recommended. This is intended to limit the localised SAR
over any 6-minule period
 ---pagebreak---                                                  27
ANNEX IV
Exposure from sources with multiple frequencies
In situations where simultaneous cxposuie to fields of dilfcrcnl frequencies occurs, the
possibility thai these exposures will be additive in their effects must be considered.
Calculations based on such additivity should be performed separately for each elfect;
thus separate evaluations should be made for thermal and electrical stimulation elfects
on the body
Basic restrictions
In the ease of simultaneous exposure to fields of different frequencies, the following
criteria should be satisfied in terms of the basic restrictions.
For electric stimulation, relevant for frequencies from 1 Hz up to 10 MHz, the induced
current densities should be added according to:
                                         I OUI h   .
                                           y -'• !
hoi thermal effects, relevant liom 100 kHz, specific energy absorption rales and power
densities should be added accoidinu. to:
                             IOC/I:   t,   .n       300(11 h  Ç1
                              £       SAR, , £               .S, < j
                           i lOOkll: SA Ri.          i   lOCIIzSj,
where
J; is the current density at frequency i;
Ji.,; is the current density basic restriction at frequency i as given in Table I;
SARj is the SAR caused by exposure at frequency i;
SARi, is the SAR basic restriction given in fable I;
Si is the power density at frequency i,
S|. is the power density basic restriction given in 'fable I.
 ---pagebreak---                                                    28
Reference levels
For application of the basic restrictions, the following criteria regarding reference
levels of field strengths should be applied
For induced current densities and electrical stimulation elfects, relevant up to 10 MHz,
the following two requirements-should be applied to the field levels:
                                    IMIlz .,         lOUUz „
                                           /                F
                                     £      '" i £            "<I
                                                             Cl
                                   i It I: h Li     i -IMIlz
and
                                      I mi h              lOU/lz    .
                                                                    Ilj
                                       £ "\ i £                         <i
                                      i iiiz IIi.j      i   mokiizb
where
i ; , is Ihe electric field strength at frequency i,
F| , is the electric field strength reference level from 'fable 2;
11, is the magnetic field strength at frequency j ;
I \\,, is the magnetic field strength reference level from 'fable 2,
a is K7 V/m and b is 5 A/ni ( (>.25 u'f).
Compared to the K'NIRF guidelines which deal with both occupational and general
public exposure, cutoff points in the summations correspond to exposure conditions
for members of the public.
The use of the constant values (a and b) above I MHz for the electric field and above
 150 kHz for Ihe magnetic field is due to the fact that the summation is based on
induced current densities, and should not be mixed with thermal elTect circumstances.
The latter forms the basis for F| , anil I h. j above I MHz and 150 kHz respectively,
found in 'fable 2.
 1
     International Commission on Non-loni/.ing Radiation Protection. Guidelines for Limiting Exposure
 lo Time-Varying Flcclrie. Magnetic, and Hlectiomagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz). Health PUys., in
 press
 ---pagebreak---                                                      29
Foi iheimal H feci ( iieuinslaixes, lelevanl liom                       100 kHz, the following, two
icquiicincnls should be applied lo the field levels
                                I MIL-       ,,      Mm il h       .,
                              I
                                 z (':/'
                                   lOOkll:           i I Ml h
                                                                 Z(ff^
                                                                  LLL.i
and
                                     150kHz     TT        SOOGIIz        ,.
                                      Z *IrfA'
                                  / lookiiz (1            j imiiz 11 Lj
where
\\, is the eleetiic field strength at frequency i,
I i , is the eleiliic field lefeience level from fable ?..
 11, is the magnetic field slienglh at frequency _j;
 I h , is the magnetic field refeience level derived from fables 2,
c isS//!"1-' Win and d 0 7î/f A/ni
 Again, compared to the ICKIKF guidelines some cutolf points have been adjusted for
 public exposure only.
 For limb current and contact current, respectively, the following requirements should
be applied:
                                                              ll()A///r
                              z           A.
                             iw/wn
                                                   <
                           A--IDA///.- \ ll.M J
 where
 h is the limb euneii! component at licqueiicy k,
 h i is the releience level loi limb current, IS inA,
 l„ is the contact cm rent component at licqucncy n,
 l, M is the refeience level for contact current at frequency n (see 'fable >).
The above summation formulae assume worst-case phase conditions among the fields
 from the multiple sources. As a result, typical exposure situations may in practice result
 in less restrictive exposure levels than indicated by the above formulae for the
 reference levels.
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                                            3o
                                                                  ISSN 0254-1475
                                                           COM(98) 268 final
                                              DOCUMENTS
EN                                                            05  15  12 14
                                    Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-298-EN-C
                                                             ISBN 92-78-35921-1
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities
L-2985 Luxembourg