UK recommends adoption of international guidelines on exposure to electromagnetic fields
http://www.100md.com
《英国医生杂志》
The National Radiological Protection Board has recommended that the United Kingdom adopts international guidelines on exposure to non-ionising radiation, after reviewing research on the issue. But the review acknowledged that uncertainties remained on the potential impact of electromagnetic fields on human health.
The board recommended adopting the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection抯 guidelines, which set limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields at two levels—firstly, for occupational exposure, and, secondly, more restrictive recommendations for general public exposure based on a cautious interpretation of the science. The recommendations apply to electromagnetic radiation frequencies of 0-300 GHz, which include those produced by television and radio transmissions, by mobile telecommunications, and by electricity supply and use. Many countries have already adopted these guidelines, which provide the basis for a European Council recommendation on limiting exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields.
The UK guidelines suggest that occupational exposure to static electric and magnetic fields should be restricted to a magnetic flux density of 200 mT (whole-body time-weighted average exposure), while the limit for the general public should be 40 mT. For electric and magnetic fields of frequencies below 100 kHz, occupational exposure should be restricted to less than 100mVm-1 (induced electric field in the central, autonomic and enteric nervous systems), and public exposure should be limited to less than 20mVm-1 (induced electric field in the central nervous system).
The National Radiological Protection Board, the body responsible for setting guidelines for exposure to electromagnetic fields in the UK, recommended adopting the international guidelines after being asked by the Department of Health to review the scientific evidence and health risks related to electromagnetic radiation. The review included taking advice from UK and international scientific experts, from published comprehensive reviews by expert groups and from the public.
The board considered that scientific data indicated the need for restrictions on exposure. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection抯 guidelines set restrictions on exposure to prevent adverse health effects for which there is clear evidence and whose mechanisms are understood. But the board noted that uncertainties in the science remained, particularly those associated with epidemiological studies.
The chairman of the board, William Stewart, said: "This new recommendation by to adopt guidelines reflects a detailed assessment of the risks involved, and also the need for a precautionary approach when there are genuine uncertainties in our knowledge."(London Susan Mayor)
The board recommended adopting the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection抯 guidelines, which set limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields at two levels—firstly, for occupational exposure, and, secondly, more restrictive recommendations for general public exposure based on a cautious interpretation of the science. The recommendations apply to electromagnetic radiation frequencies of 0-300 GHz, which include those produced by television and radio transmissions, by mobile telecommunications, and by electricity supply and use. Many countries have already adopted these guidelines, which provide the basis for a European Council recommendation on limiting exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields.
The UK guidelines suggest that occupational exposure to static electric and magnetic fields should be restricted to a magnetic flux density of 200 mT (whole-body time-weighted average exposure), while the limit for the general public should be 40 mT. For electric and magnetic fields of frequencies below 100 kHz, occupational exposure should be restricted to less than 100mVm-1 (induced electric field in the central, autonomic and enteric nervous systems), and public exposure should be limited to less than 20mVm-1 (induced electric field in the central nervous system).
The National Radiological Protection Board, the body responsible for setting guidelines for exposure to electromagnetic fields in the UK, recommended adopting the international guidelines after being asked by the Department of Health to review the scientific evidence and health risks related to electromagnetic radiation. The review included taking advice from UK and international scientific experts, from published comprehensive reviews by expert groups and from the public.
The board considered that scientific data indicated the need for restrictions on exposure. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection抯 guidelines set restrictions on exposure to prevent adverse health effects for which there is clear evidence and whose mechanisms are understood. But the board noted that uncertainties in the science remained, particularly those associated with epidemiological studies.
The chairman of the board, William Stewart, said: "This new recommendation by to adopt guidelines reflects a detailed assessment of the risks involved, and also the need for a precautionary approach when there are genuine uncertainties in our knowledge."(London Susan Mayor)