Can Radiofrequency (EME) cause health effects?
Yes, if exposed above maximum recommended exposure levels.
RF EME heats in the same way that microwave ovens heat food. Harmful heating of body tissue is a possibility where there is exposure to RF fields above maximum recommended exposure levels. Known adverse health effects from significant RF over-exposures include cataracts, temporary sterility and auditory clicks. Shocks, similar to electric shocks, due to touching or receiving arcs from RF transmitters are also possible from over-exposure to RF radiation.
On the topic of cancer risk, World Health Organisation expert, Anders Albom, stated “None of the studies provided evidence that RF exposure from the transmitters increased the risk of cancer or any other health effect”. WHO Workshop on Base Stations and Wireless Networks (June 2005).
What RF exposure level is safe?
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) have set the recommended maximum exposure levels for RF fields 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
The recommended RF exposure limits depend on whether the exposure is occupational (i.e. for persons classified as RF workers) or non-occupational (i.e. for general public and persons who are not required to work in electromagnetic fields).
For RF Workers, the basic exposure restriction for whole-body average Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) has been set at 0.4 W/kg averaged over a six minute period. Whole body average SAR is determined by dividing the total power absorbed in the body by the total mass of the body.
For non-occupational, the basic exposure restriction for whole-body average SAR 0.08 W/Kg averaged over a six minute period.
The basic restrictions for RF Workers and non-occupational (General Public) have included safety margins of 10-fold and 50-fold from the level of the first known adverse health effect (a 1?C rise in core body temperature).