ICNIRP is the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection. It is an internationally recognized body that sets guidelines for protection against adverse health effects of non−ionizing radiation. ICNIRP published guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric and magnetic fields (1 Hz to 100 kHz). These guidelines replace the previous recommendations given by ICNIRP for this frequency range. They are derived from the current scientific knowledge as described in extensive reviews, especially those of the World Health Organization and ICNIRP.https://www.emftesting.net/about-us/
Survey Date: May 24, 2017, Performed By: Stuart Bagley, MS, CIH, CSP of IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc.
Executive Summary
This is a report on a Radiofrequency Exposure Assessment at the building located in Canton, MI on May 24, 2017. Building occupants were concerned about radiofrequency exposure from the rooftop cellular antennas.
The building owner requested a proposal to perform an electromagnetic field (EMF) and radiofrequency field (RF) survey with a report. EMF Testing and Measurements were taken on the rooftop near the antennas and on each of the three occupied floors of the building.
Results indicate the building occupants onsite are not being exposed to excessive amounts of radiofrequency radiation based on measurements taken.
EMF Testing Report
Radiofrequency Exposure Limits
The FCC sets exposure levels for RF radiation. A number of other consensus organizations, FCC, ICNIRP, and IEEE have published recommended RF exposure limits. They are all referencing the same exposure limit presented in the table below.
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE (MPE) Limits for General
Population/Uncontrolled Exposure
Frequency Range MHz
Max Power Density (S)
Averaging Time
1500-100,000
(cellular frequencies 700-2000 MHZ)
1.0 mW/cm2 or 10 W/m2
30
Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering &Technology
“Evaluating Compliance with FCC, Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields” . The General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure applies in situations in which the general public may be exposed, or in which persons that are exposed as a consequence of their employment may not be fully aware of the potential for exposure or cannot exercise control over their exposure.
(ICNIRP) Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz).
The ICNIRP guidelines have exposure limits for electric fields and magnetic fields that are whole-body and time-averaged. The higher tier is referred to as “Occupational” while the more restrictive tier is referred to as “General Population.” The limits for the electric and magnetic fields are very similar to the limits in the 1997 FCC Regulations.
IEEE RF Safety Levels- EMF Testing
C95.1–2005 is the human exposure standard. The complete name is IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz. The IEEE standard has exposure limits for electric fields and magnetic fields that are whole-body and time-averaged. Limits are expressed in terms of Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE).
This is a report on the electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurements at Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station conducted in 2013 as it relates to employees with an implanted medical device. APS, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station requested a survey be done for electromagnetic field interference (EMI) with regard to the proper functioning of implanted medical devices, such as a cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker or an electronic insulin pump. The electromagnetic field testing was done with the assistance of the Plant Safety Manager.
The diagram at the end of this document, “Diagram of All Areas Tested for EMI as Measured on March 15, 2013” shows those areas that exceeded heart device guidelines.
The following recommendations are made to enhance safety for employees with implanted medical devices:
Restrict Access: Limit access to high-EMI areas for employees with implanted medical devices. Implement clear signage and guidelines to ensure these employees are aware of the potential risks.
Shielding Measures: Install electromagnetic shielding in critical areas to reduce EMI levels. Shielding can be applied to walls, floors, and ceilings in high-EMI zones to contain and block electromagnetic fields.
Regular Monitoring: Conduct regular EMI monitoring to track changes in electromagnetic field levels over time. Periodic assessments will help ensure that EMI levels remain within safe limits and that new sources of interference are promptly identified and addressed.
Employee Training: Provide training for all employees on the potential risks associated with EMI and the proper use of personal protective equipment. Ensure that employees with implanted medical devices are fully informed about the areas to avoid and the measures in place to protect them.
Emergency Protocols: Develop and implement emergency protocols specifically for incidents involving EMI interference with implanted medical devices. These protocols should include immediate response actions and medical support procedures.
Electromagnetic compatibility or EMC means that a device is compatible with (i.e., no interference is caused by) its electromagnetic (EM) environment and it does not emit levels of EM energy that cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) in other devices in the vicinity.
A medical device can be vulnerable to EMI if the levels of EM energy in its environment exceed the EM immunity (resistance) to which the device was designed and tested. The different forms of EM energy that can cause EMI are conducted, radiated, and electrostatic discharge (ESD). EMI problems with heart device safety can be very complex, not only from the technical standpoint but also from the view of public health issues and solutions.
The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) has regulatory authority over several thousand different kinds of medical and pacemaker safety devices, with thousands of manufacturers and variations of devices. Because of its concern for public health and safety, the CDRH part of the FDA has been in the vanguard of examining medical device EMI (electromagnetic interference) and providing solutions.
Extensive laboratory testing by CDRH, and others, has revealed that many devices can be susceptible to problems caused by EMI. Indeed, CDRH has been investigating incidents of device EMI, and working on solutions (e.g. the 1979 draft EMC standard for medical devices), since the late 1960s, when there was a concern for EMI with cardiac pacemakers.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnetic waves to produce images of the soft tissue on the interior of the human body. Many patients with implanted heart devices are not eligible to have an MRI scan because their pacing systems are not approved for use during an MRI scan or near MRI scanners.
A new model of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) which is resistant to the MRI’s strong magnetic fields has been gone through EMF Testing at Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire. The Ellipse ICD, developed by US manufacturer St Jude Medical, will now be tested in a further 165 patients at 60 MRI centers around the world,” the Guernsey Press reported on August 24, 2016. These devices should “shock the heart back into rhythm when it detects a potential cardiac arrest.”
What is MRI Protection Mode? In preparation for an MRI scan, the pulse generator in an MR-Conditional system is programmed to MRI Protection Mode using the PRM. MRI Protection Mode modifies the behavior of the device and has been designed to accommodate the electromagnetic environment of the scanner. Additionally, a time-out feature may be programmed to cancel MRI Protection mode after a specified number of hours.
EMF Consultant and cardiologist Dr. Roy Gardner, who is leading the trial at the Golden Jubilee, said, “Our first patient’s procedure went very smoothly and provided a great start to an incredibly important project. As such, we are now about to recruit our sixth patient to this study.”
Dr. Johansson’s work is grounded in rigorous scientific research, which demonstrates that EMFs can influence biological systems. Studies have shown that EMFs can affect cellular processes, alter brain activity, and even impact the function of certain organs. These findings support the notion that EHS is not merely a psychological condition, but a physiological response to environmental stressors.
Key Findings by Dr. Olle Johansson
Universal Sensitivity:
Dr. Johansson argues that all humans have a baseline sensitivity to EMFs. While some individuals may develop noticeable symptoms, others may not experience immediate effects but could still be at risk for long-term health issues.
Biological Mechanisms:
The body’s response to EMF exposure involves complex biological mechanisms. EMFs can disrupt the normal function of cells and tissues, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. Over time, these disruptions can contribute to chronic health conditions.
Environmental Factors:
The prevalence of EMF sources in modern environments has increased dramatically. From cell phones and Wi-Fi routers to household appliances and power lines, people are constantly exposed to varying levels of EMFs. Dr. Johansson emphasizes the need to consider cumulative exposure when assessing health risks.
Individual Variability:
While all people are potentially sensitive to EMFs, the degree of sensitivity can vary significantly among individuals. Genetic factors, overall health, and lifestyle choices can influence how a person reacts to EMF exposure.
Dr. Johansson, Certified EMF Consultant presents a compelling argument on the negative health effects of low and esp. radiofrequency (high frequency) electromagnetic fields…
