HAZARDS OF NON-IONIZING RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) RADIATION

Transcription

1 HAZARDS OF NON-IONIZING RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) RADIATION IS IT SAFE TO USE A CELL PHONE, BLUE TOOTH, AND WIFI HOTSPOTS???

2 Learning Objectives Non-Ionizing RF Radiation vs. Ionizing Radiation Biological effects from exposure to RF radiation IEEE and Maximum Permissible Exposure limits (MPE) Specific Absorption Rates (SARs); relation to MPEs Examples

3 Disclaimer...

4 Two Types Radiation Non-Ionizing Ionizing

5 Two Types Radiation Non-Ionizing Ionizing

6 What is RF Radiation?

7 Electromagnetic Spectrum RF frequencies: 3kHz to 300 GHz 1x10 1 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1x10 26

8 Non-Ionizing RF Radiation Sources Cellular phones, Bluetooth Laser products and instruments RF Microwave Transmitters RF Heat Sealers/Welders Sun Lamps and Mercury Vapor Lamps UV Sterilizing Lamps Microwave Ovens Power lines

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10 What are the Biological Effects Associated with Non-Ionizing RF Radiation?

11 Non-Ionizing (RF wave) Ionizing (x-ray/gamma ray photon) energy: to 10-3 ev No Ionization in biological systems 10 to 12 ev to ionize tissue

12 Two Biological Concerns...????? Tissue Heating Electric Shocks and Burns

13 Biological Effects Rapidly moving water molecules in alternating electrical field Increased vibration & rotation = friction Raises body core temperature Localized tissue heating

14 Biological Effects (cont.) RF shocks/ contact burns Electrostimulation Direct or Induced

15 Target Organ:

16 Other Concerns... Eyes (critical acute laser injuries) Male Testes water content, blood flow, cooling Heart Pacemakers Medical Implants (pins, rods, plates)

17 How is Tissue Heating Measured? How Much is Harmful?

18 Gold Standard, Standard IEEE C

19 SAR Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) = rate at which energy is transferred to tissue, in watts per kilogram (W/kg) IEEE C95.1 SAR = 4 W/kg - Lack of harmful effects IEEE SAR prevents bodycore temperature rise >1 C. Eliminate thermal effects 3 khz to 300 GHz only

20 BUT FINAL SAR LIMIT Whole Body SAR Limit = 0.4 W/kg Safety Factor of 10 Reduce non-thermal effects: o Leukemia o Brain tumors o Electromagnetic hypersensitivity More to come...

21 Safety Standard Goals Ability to Produce RF Health Effects Depends Upon: Frequency (Hz), which determines absorption and depth of penetration Intensity Length of Exposure

22 Safety Standard Goals Protection from thermal heating effects only OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE - Maintain SAR 0.4 W/kg, whole body Averaged over 6-minutes GENERAL POPULATION/PUBLIC - Maintain SAR 0.08 W/kg, whole body Averaged over 30-minutes

23 Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Environments Occupational/ Controlled Environments apply to those occupationally exposed to RF radiation; Trained individuals; Controls and procedures to minimize exposures. General/ Uncontrolled Environments apply to members of the general public (everyone).

24 ACGIH 2010 IEEE C

25 Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Fields, 3 khz TO 300 GHz, IEEE C

26 ACGIH 2010 ANSI/IEEE

27 ACGIH, ANSI/IEEE * US Government, Military (NATO), Aviation, Public Radio, Pagers *

28 Depth of RF Radiation 300 MHz (0.30 GHz) 2450 MHz (2.45 GHz) - 10,000 MHz (10 GHz) - 1

29 Magnetic Field (H) Safety Standards, ACGIH Measured <100 MHz Standard is frequency dependent 10 Gauss (60 mt) at 60 Hz VDT emission G

30 How Do I Know the RF Radiation Levels are Safe?

31 RF Safety Surveys New RF transmitting equipment After upgrades/modifications and additions Special request

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34 EXAMPLES...

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41 ANSI Sign

42 What About Cell Phones, Bluetooth, WiFi Hotspots?

43 Cell Phone Evolution

44 Cell Phone Safety Standard FCC SAR limit = 1.6 W/Kg Europe SAR limit = 2 W/Kg Transmit Frequency???

45 Peak Power Cell phone: 2-3 Watts Microwave oven: 700-1,000 Watts and has a power density of 100 mw/cm 2 at 2.5 GHz (S band)

46 Is It Safe to Use My Cell Phone, Bluetooth and WiFi? The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. BUT... Danish Study...

47 Is It Safe to Use My Cell Phone, Bluetooth and WiFi? Review manufacturer data Google it! Limit use Increase distance of wireless device and body Use hands free speaker, earpiece, bluetooth Send text message Restrict use by children - FCC.gov

48 Is It Safe to Use My Cell Phone?

49 *** GLIDE File Security Bulletin *** Message ID: /glide-adn-b70-ps1-a

50 Still worried?

51 Still worried?

52 Still worried?

53 Still worried?

54 Another alternative

55 Questions?