RF safety continues to be a concern as research explores the possible biological effects of exposure to RF/MW radiation.
Radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) radiation are electromagnetic radiation in the frequency ranges 3 kilohertz (kHz) – 300 Megahertz (MHz), and 300 MHz – 300 gigahertz (GHz), respectively.
Electromagnetic radiation is found in many devices including radios, cellular phones, the processing and cooking of foods, heat sealers, vinyl welders, high frequency welders, induction heaters, flow solder machines, communications transmitters, radar transmitters, ion implant equipment, microwave drying equipment, sputtering equipment and glue curing.
Electric and magnetic fields are complex physical agents whose potential health effects are the subject of much research. Particularly controversial are the biophysical mechanisms by which these RF fields may affect biological systems.
General health effects reviews explore possible carcinogenic, reproductive and neurological effects. Health effects by exposure source are noted in radar traffic devices, wireless communications with cellular phones, radio transmission, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The scientific evidence indicates radio frequency (RF) exposures that are at or below current U.S. safety limits do not cause health problems. There is no established health benefit from reducing an individual’s RF exposure from cell phones.
Nevertheless, some people still have concerns about RF energy, and there are some simple actions that could help reduce an individual’s RF energy exposure from cellphones.
Generally, wireless products emit the most RF energy when you are using them to talk to someone. The closer the device is to you, the more energy you will absorb.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends these RF safety tips to reduce RF exposure:
- Reduce the amount of time spent using your cellphone
- Use speaker mode, head phones, or ear buds to place more distance between your head and the cellphone
- Avoid making calls when the signal is weak as this causes cell phones to boost RF transmission power
- Consider texting rather than talking – but don’t text while you are driving.
Because of the widespread presence of RF radiation in the workplace, OSHA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now offer similar guidance regarding safety and health related to RF exposure, but there are no specific regulations.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers RF Safety Training, a 2-day course for anyone who may encounter RF fields or RF exposure. RF Safety Training is also required training for employees and sub-contractors in the telecommunications industry.
Appropriate RF safety training like the type offered by Tonex teaches workers to recognize RF radiation hazards and control their exposure.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.