PRINCIPLESFORNON-IONIZINGRADIATIONPROTECTION

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)1

(1.ICNIRP, c/o BfS, Ingolstaedter Landstr 1, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany)

Abstract:In this statement, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) presents its principles for protection against adverse health effects from exposure to non-ionizing radiation. These are based upon the principles for protection against ionizing radiation of the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP) in order to come to a comprehensive and consistent system of protection throughout the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The statement further contains information about ICNIRP and the processes it uses in setting exposure guidelines.

Keywords: International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection; health effects; safety standards; radiation, non-ionizing

Health Phys. 118(5):477-482; 2020

GUIDELINESFORLIMITINGEXPOSURETOELECTROMAGNETICFIELDS(100kHzto300GHz)

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)1

(1.ICNIRP, c/o BfS, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany)

Abstract:Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are used to enable a number of modern devices, including mobile telecommunications infrastructure and phones, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. As radiofrequency EMFs at sufficiently high power levels can adversely affect health, ICNIRP published Guidelines in 1998 for human exposure to time-varying EMFs up to 300 GHz, which included the radiofrequency EMF spectrum. Since that time, there has been a considerable body of science further addressing the relation between radiofrequency EMFs and adverse health outcomes, as well as significant developments in the technologies that use radiofrequency EMFs. Accordingly, ICNIRP has updated the radiofrequency EMF part of the 1998 Guidelines. This document presents these revised Guidelines, which provide protection for humans from exposure to EMFs from 100 kHz to 300 GHz.

Health Phys. 118(5):483-524; 2020

ICNIRPNOTE:CRITICALEVALUATIONOFTWORADIOFREQUENCYELECTROMAGNETICFIELDANIMALCARCINOGENICITYSTUDIESPUBLISHEDIN2018

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)1

(1.ICNIRP, c/o BfS, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany)

Abstract:Final results are now available from two large animal studies that investigated whether long-term exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) associated with mobile (or cell) phones or base stations is carcinogenic; these studies hale from the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Ramazzini Institute in Italy, respectively. In both cases, the authors concluded that they had demonstrated that RF EMFs are carcinogenic in male rats but not in female rats or mice (NTP only). The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has evaluated their methods and findings for potential information about the carcinogenicity of exposure to RF EMFs. We found that these studies had important strengths; for example, both followed good laboratory practice (GLP), both used much larger numbers of animals than previous research, and both exposed animals over the whole of their lives. We also noted some major weaknesses, including a lack of blinding, difficulties interpreting statistical analyses due to the association between longer lifespans and tumor occurrence in the exposed rats (NTP only), and failure to account for chance. ICNIRP concluded that these substantial limitations preclude conclusions being drawn concerning RF EMFs and carcinogenesis.

Keywords: carcinogenesis; exposure, radiofrequency; radiation protection; International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)

Health Phys. 118(5):525-532; 2020

GAPSINKNOWLEDGERELEVANTTOTHE“GUIDELINESFORLIMITINGEXPOSURETOTIME-VARYINGELECTRICANDMAGNETICFIELDS(1Hz-100kHz)”

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)1

(1.ICNIRP c/o BfS, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany)

Abstract:Sources of low-frequency fields are widely found in modern society. All wires or devices carrying or using electricity generate extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields (EFs) and magnetic fields (MFs), but they decline rapidly with distance to the source. High magnetic flux densities are usually found in the vicinity of power lines and close to equipment using strong electrical currents, but can also be found in buildings with unbalanced return currents, or indoor transformer stations. For decades, epidemiological as well as experimental studies have addressed possible health effects of exposure to ELF-MFs. The main goal of ICNIRP is to protect people and the environment from detrimental exposure to all forms of non-ionizing radiation (NIR). To this end, ICNIRP provides advice and guidance by developing and disseminating exposure guidelines based on the available scientific research. Research in the low-frequency range began more than 40 years ago, and there is now a large body of literature available on which ICNIRP set its protection guidelines. A review of the literature has been carried out to identify possible relevant knowledge gaps, and the aim of this statement is to describe data gaps in research that would, if addressed, assist ICNIRP in further developing guidelines and setting revised recommendations on limiting exposure to electric and magnetic fields. It is articulated in two parts: the main document, which reviews the science related to LF data gaps, and the annex, which explains the methodology used to identify the data gaps.

Keywords: International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection; health effects; safety standards; radiation, non-ionizing

Health Phys. 118(5):533-542; 2020

LIGHT-EMITTINGDIODES(LEDS):IMPLICATIONSFORSAFETY

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)1

(1.ICNIRP c/o BfS, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany)

Abstract:Since the original ICNIRP Statement was published in 2000, there have been significant improvements in the efficiency and radiance (i.e., optical radiation emission) of LEDs. The most important improvement is the development of ‘white’ LEDs that can be used as general lighting sources, which are more efficient than traditional lighting sources. LEDs emitting in the ultraviolet wavelength region have also become available and have made their way into consumer products. All these changes have led to a rise in concern for the safety of the optical radiation emissions from LEDs. Several in vitro and animal studies have been conducted, which indicate that blue and white LEDs can potentially cause retinal cell damage under high irradiance and lengthy exposure conditions. However, these studies cannot be directly extrapolated to normal exposure conditions for humans, and equivalent effects can also be caused by the optical radiation from other light sources under extreme exposure conditions. Acute damage to the human retina from typical exposure to blue or white LEDs has not been demonstrated. Concern for potential long-term effects, e.g. age-related macular degeneration (AMD), remains based on epidemiological studies indicating a link between high levels of exposure to sunlight and AMD. When evaluating the optical radiation safety of LEDs, it has now been established that published safety standards for lamps, not lasers, should be applied. Thus far, the only clear, acute adverse health effects from LEDs are those due to temporal light modulation (including flicker). Glare can also create visual disturbances when LED light fixtures are not properly designed. Further research is needed on potential health effects from short and long-term exposure to new and emerging lighting technologies.

Keywords: International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection; health effects; safety standards; radiation, non-ionizing

Health Phys. 118(5):549-561; 2020

INTENDEDHUMANEXPOSURETONON-IONIZINGRADIATIONFORCOSMETICPURPOSES

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)1

(1.ICNIRP c/o BfS, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany)

Abstract:Cosmetic devices using non-ionizing radiation (NIR) are increasingly available for people who wish to modify their appearance for aesthetic purposes. There are a wide range of NIR modalities used for cosmetic procedures, including devices that use optical radiation (laser, intense pulsed light, and light-emitting diode), electromagnetic fields, and ultrasound. Common procedures involving the application of NIR include epilation, skin rejuvenation, body sculpting and contouring, treatment of vascular and skin lesions, tattoo removal, and scar reduction. The majority of research on the use of NIR cosmetic devices has focused on the efficacy of the treatment rather than adverse effects or complications. Studies that assessed safety consisted mostly of case reports and small case series. Common adverse effects on the skin reported include mild and transient pain, erythema, swelling, and changes in pigmentation. Less common, more severe side effects include burns, blisters, scarring, persisting erythema, altered pigmentation, and eye damage. Some of the latter may have resulted from treatment errors. Particular groups of people that may be at greater risk from optical radiation include people with dark skin, with high sun exposure, and taking photosensitizing medications or supplements. There is lack of evidence for the safety profile of cosmetic NIR procedures during pregnancy. Reports of injuries to workers administering treatments with cosmetic NIR devices are rare, but inadvertent damage to the eye from optical devices may occur. Randomized controlled trials are required to fully assess potential adverse effects from the use of NIR cosmetic devices. Regulation varies worldwide and some regions apply the same safety classification and guidance as for medical devices. In order to reduce harm associated with the use of cosmetic devices, ICNIRP considers it important that regulations that cover all types and frequencies of cosmetic NIR devices are adopted worldwide and that there is greater oversight regarding their use.

Keywords: Ihealth effects; International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP); radiation, non-ionizing; safety standards

Health Phys. 118(5):562-579; 2020