What is Radio Frequency Radiation?
Radio Frequency radiation (RF) is electromagnetic radiation, fields and waves in the frequency range 0-300GHz. RF radiation is also referred to in guidance and standards as electromagnetic fields (EMF).
Safety Guidelines and directives
• NRPB Volume 4 No5 1993
• ICNIRP 1998
• NRPB Volume 15 No.2 2004
• Directive 2004/40/EC, The Occupational EMF Directive
• Ministry of Defence JSP Documents
• Health and safety at work ACT 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
EMF Radiation can be classified into 2 types ionizing and non-ionizing depending on its capability of ionizing atoms and breaking chemical bonds.
Effects on the Human Body - Direct & Indirect
Direct - very high levels of exposure
Hyperthermia - ‘heat exhaustion’. Subjects may feel hot, sweat and have an increased pulse rate. Headache, nausea & vomiting may follow.
Eye Damage - formation of cataracts
Testes - Reduction of sperm count
Indirect
Effects on implanted devices e.g. pacemakers
Contact currents
There are many factors that affect absorption into the human body e.g.
Dielectric Composition
Size of the Body
Shape, Orientation and Polarisation
Exposure Environment
Time Intensity Factors
The effects are often likened to flu like symptoms.
Where is it found?
RF is emitted from Radio Antennae found on most communications masts and rooftops where antennas and mobile phone masts are found.
You will be unaware that you are being subjected to RF and a monitor must be worn in the vicinity of RF hazards.