EMC and Quality

The harmful effects of non-ionising radiation, especially for electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 0Hz to 300GHz are known for years, although the maximum exposure limits are nowadays quite controversial.

The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) establishes reference levels on the recommended limitation of human exposure to non-ionising radiation, based on established effects, considering the best available scientific data and advice in this area, from the Community framework, which draws on the large body of scientific documentation that already exists.

As a first approach for regulating EMF exposure limits, the Council of the European Union published in 1999 the recommendation 99/519/EC, on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz), confirming and adopting ICNIRP reference levels.

Based in previous experiences, the European Parliament and the Council published in 2004 the Directive 2004/40/EC, now replaced by the new Directive 2013/35/EC, on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields), which are based directly on established health effects and biological considerations. However, the long-term effects, including possible carcinogenic effects due to exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields for which there is no conclusive scientific evidence establishing a causal relationship, are not addressed.

Horizontal regulations directly related to the exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields are not yet published, however:

• National and local authorities have issued specific requirements related to the emissions from fixed radio base stations (example: Regulamento 86/2007 from ICP in Portugal);
• R&TTE Directive (99/5/EC) defines specific requirements for the protection of persons against the harmful effects of non-ionising radiation under article 3.1.a), for which there are standard limits and test methods continuously being improved under the harmonized standards (see current list). Important standardization progress is being made in testing technics for specific products under IEC and CENELEC Technical Committee TC106 and other IEEE committees.

As a result, and depending on the frequency and device, requirements are defined as:

• Static magnetic fields;
• Current density;
• Specific energy absorption rate;
• Power density;
• Electric field strength;
• Magnetic field strength;
• Magnetic flux density;
• Contact current

Quemc is ready to help you for the evaluation of any specific exposure situation. We have our own EMF test equipment and we are ready for your requirements.