International standards and guidelines for RF-EMF exposure · ITU Arab Region, 2-3 December 2019 IEC 62232:2017 Determination of RF field strength and SAR in the vicinity of radiocommunication

ITU Arab Region, 2-3 December 2019

International standards and

guidelines for RF-EMF exposureJack Rowley, PhD

Senior Director Research & Sustainability

GSMA

ITU Arab Region, Amman, Jordan, 2-3 December 2019


International RF-EMF exposure limits

• Provide protection for all persons

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Key IEEE RF-EMF standards

http://standards.ieee.org/

C95.2:2018C95.1:2019 C95.3:2008 C95.7:2014

SignsLimits Assessment Management

http://standards.ieee.org/


Close alignment between ICNIRP and IEEE

IEEE Future Networks Tech Focus, 2019

Public exposure limits

https://futurenetworks.ieee.org/tech-focus/september-2019/5g-communications-systems-and-radiofrequency-exposure-limits


‘The [1999 EMF/ICNIRP] recommendation is in line with

the application of the precautionary principle as outlined

in Commission Communication COM (2000).’

Adoption of ICNIRP limits is precautionary

European Commission, 1 Feb 2012 (E-011877/2011)

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IEEE October 2019 ICNIRP November/December 2019

6

Updates are opportunity for harmonization


Harmonise with international EMF policy


WHO guidance on RF-EMF standards harmonization

https://www.who.int/peh-emf/standards/en/

https://www.who.int/peh-emf/standards/en/


https://www.who.int/gho/phe/emf/legislation/en/

https://www.who.int/gho/phe/emf/legislation/en/


Most countries with RF-EMF limits use ICNIRP

https://www.gsma.com/emf

Public limits –

Mobile networks

https://www.gsma.com/emf


RF-EMF exposure assessment

• International technical standards

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Identify appropriate compliance limits

Determine if RF exposure assessment is needed

Site classification approach

If needed:

Calculations

Measurement

If exposure limits may be exceeded, apply mitigation

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General principles for RF-EMF exposure assessment


Compliance — relatively high fields:

Calculation

Broadband measurements

SAR measurements

Environmental — low level fields:

Calculation

Broadband measurements

Frequency selective

Communication

Who is the audience?

13

Overview of compliance versus environmental


IEC 62232:2017 Determination of RF field strength and SAR

in the vicinity of radiocommunication base stations for the

purpose of evaluating human exposure

IEC TR62269:2011/2019 Case studies supporting the

implementation of IEC 62232 - determination of RF field

strength, power density and SAR in the vicinity of

radiocommunication base stations for the purpose of

evaluating human exposure

IEC 62577:2009 Evaluation of human exposure to

electromagnetic fields from a stand-alone broadcast

transmitter (30 MHz - 40 GHz)

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IEC Standards and Technical Report


Simplified assessment procedures

for RF-EMF compliance

Based on knowledge of the EIRP,

and antenna installation factors,

such as mounting height, main

lobe direction and distance to other

ambient sources

Criteria met = compliance

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Site classification approach: ITU-T K.100/IEC62232

Read the accompanying notes


IEC TR62669:2019 simplified rules for compliance

Small Cells Forum and GSMA


‘All exposure level studies and surveillance systems used in

our country and in Europe confirm repeatedly that they are

hundreds or thousands of times below those recommended

by the EU, WHO and the ICNIRP and national legislation

(RD1066/2001). Therefore, it is not recommended to invest

resources in new surveillance systems that do not provide

significant innovation regarding levels of exposure already

known.’

- Comité Científico Asesor en Radiofrecuencias y Salud (CCARS), 2017

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Are further RF-EMF measurements needed?

http://ccars.org.es/

http://ccars.org.es/


Responding to public concerns

• Evidence based good practice

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RF Policy PrinciplesGovernments:• Evidence-based limits and national mast

policy

• Avoid policies that create alarm

• Communicate using trusted health agencies

Industry:• Declarations of compliance

• Improve consultation and design practices

• Active partner in communication

Community:• Health and environment protected

• Improved access to mobile services


Adopt RF-EMF limits harmonised with WHO recommendations and

international technical standards for compliance assessment

Support municipalities through national policy that specifies uniform

and transparent process for antenna applications

Allow site sharing where technically and commercially feasible

Grant access to government buildings and land for antennas

Provide credible, understandable and accessible information

Good practice policy for mobile network

antennas

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‘…there is no scientific basis for establishing minimal

distances between base stations and areas of public

occupancy…it would in practice have little impact on

people’s overall exposure.’ (UK Health Protection Agency)

‘…there is no technical requirements for any special

consideration for locating base stations close to areas such

as hospitals and schools due to the fact that existing

exposure guidelines incorporate in the exposure limits safety

margins that are applicable to all locations.’ (ITU-T K.91)

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No scientific basis to restrict antenna siting


Planning exclusion zone policies are

unworkable

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• Arbitrary distances

• Political response

• GSMA supported hypothetical analysis

based on Melbourne (Australia)

• If 500 m zone applied:

• Across whole urban area would affect >50%

of antennas

• Rises to 90% in dense urban area


• Harmonise with international exposure limits

• Use international standards for device assessment – IEC 62209

• Accept declarations of compliance through type approval procedures• Use existing resources for compliance information: www.sartick.com

• Differences in SAR do not mean differences in safety

• Avoid policy advice that generates concern• Provide practical and useful information for concerned members of the public

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Policy for mobile devices


Precautionary policies linked to more public concern

66% -

100%46% - 65%

31% - 45%

0% - 30%

Data-source: Special

Eurobarometer 347,

2010, p. 66;

presentation by

GSMA Europe

2010

Strong precautionary

advice by

governments

Stricter legal safety

standards (limits,

exclusion zones)

ICNIRP

Compliance

Communications

Question QC3:

How concerned are you about the potential health risks of electromagnetic fields?

Answers: Very concerned + fairly concerned


Conclusions and Recommendations

Adopt the ICNIRP (international) guidelines as they are

protective of all persons against all established health hazards

Base RF-EMF compliance assessments on international

technical standards for devices and base stations

Antenna policies should be reviewed to support efficient

deployment, including consistent rules, transparency, small

cells, site modifications, colocation and access to existing

infrastructure and services


Obey the law.

Drive safe.

Don’t text.

Established risk

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Email: [email protected]

http://www.gsma.com/emf

Thanks for listening

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.gsma.com/emf

Documents

International standards and guidelines for RF-EMF exposure · ITU Arab Region, 2-3 December 2019 IEC 62232:2017 Determination of RF field strength and SAR in the vicinity of radiocommunication