There is great interest in the new applications of mobile technology, especially in fifth generation (5G) technology, Internet of Things (IoT), also known as "machine-to-machine" (M2M) communication and the technological accessories, or accessories with which we connect daily.
Networks and wireless devices exchange information (voice or data) through RF signals, a type of electromagnetic energy also known as electromagnetic fields (EMF).
Radio signals are part of everyday life. Emissions are caused by natural resources such as the sun and the earth and by artificial sources such as wireless networks, TV, and radio broadcasts.
In the design of new applications such as 5G, Internet of Things, or technological accessories, compliance with the permitted exposure limits is contemplated. There are international guidelines on exposure that have been developed as a result of deep research work carried out over many decades.
These guidelines do not focus solely on technology and are updated periodically. All the analysis that has been carried out by independent public health authorities expert groups and the World Health Organization (WHO) agree that these guidelines guarantee protection for all people (including children) from any type of danger to Health.
Are new exposure limits necessary for new applications of wireless technologies?
The ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) guidelines on exposure limits for frequencies up to 300 GHZ were published in 1998 and have been revised and updated since then. The reviews of static and low frequency parts have already been completed and published. ICNIRP is currently reviewing the guidelines governing exposure limits in the frequency range between 100 kHz and 300 GHz.
ICNIRP's position is that it is unlikely that there are adverse health effects associated with exposure to electromagnetic emissions that are below the established thresholds.
For additional information about new research and individual studies, consult the EMF web portal database maintained by the RWTH Aachen University in Germany: https://www.emf-portal.org/en
In fact, the new applications use similar transmission powers and operate in the same frequency ranges.
A committee of experts from the European Commission has concluded that the current knowledge we have about how electromagnetic fields interact with the human body can be used to set the exposure limits of the entire frequency range up to 300 GHz.
Therefore, existing health risk assessments remain valid regardless of wireless technology for the entire frequency range.
Based on measurements of existing wireless technologies, it is estimated that there will be no significant increase in total exposure.
