APT REPORT
ON
Asia-Pacific Regional Activities on Human Exposure to EMF
No. APT/ASTAP/REPT-29
Edition: August 2017
Adopted by
The 29th APT Standardization Program Forum (ASTAP-29)
22 – 25 August 2017, Bangkok, Thailand
Source Document: ASTAP-29/OUT-22
Background:
On the ASTAP-23 meeting, a new term was coined for EG GICT&EMF in order to add on the topic of human exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). The decision came upon EG GICT&EMF. The meeting also mentioned a new proposal to develop a status report on the activities of EMF exposure. The Republic of Korea identified which parts were necessary to be reviewed for the status report and prepared a structural backbone for the draft report (ASTAP-24/OUT-25). APT members and affiliates were welcomed to contribute to the report.
It’s important to regulate and determine the relationship between EMF activities and domestic/international safety for each country. With the development of the status report, we will not only be able to promote sharing information and find new pathways for development, but also find out future study areas for GICT and EMF working group. The draft status report on human exposure to EMFs has been prepared by the rapporteur Juno Ahn in collaboration with participants to GICT&EMF EG meeting. The input and information documents helped to update the status report were listed as a references of this report. At the meeting of ASTAP 29, the status report was updated with some input documents and with the efforts of editors and chairman of EG GICT&EMF.
Table of Contents
1.Scope
2.Terms and Definition
3.International Regulations and Guidelines on Human Exposure to EMF
(EMF Impact to Humans)
3.1Exposure standards
3.2Emission standards
4.Related International Activities of EMF
4.1Standard Developing Organizations [SDO]
4.2Non-SDOs
5.ASTAP-25 Questionnaire and Results
5.1Questionnaire
5.2Questionnaire Results
6.National Policy, Regulation and Guideline for EMF in Asia-Pacific Countries
6.1Australia
6.2China
6.3Japan
6.4Korea (Republic of)
6.5Nepal
6.6New Zealand
6.7Thailand
6.8Vietnam
7.Awareness and Education Outreach of EMF in Asia-Pacific Countries
7.1Australia......
7.2China
7.3Japan
7.4Korea (Republic of)......
7.5Nepal
7.6New Zealand
7.7Thailand
8.References
1.Scope
The status report’s primary aim is to provide information on:
-Information on International Regulations and Guidelines
-Related international activities of EMF
-National Policy, Regulation and Guideline for EMF in Asia-Pacific Countries
-Awareness and Education Outreach Activities of EMF in the Asia-Pacific Countries
The report also intend to help government agencies, telecommunication operators, equipment manufacturers, and the general public understand the notion of EMF, EMF Exposure, and public safety.
2.Terms and Definition
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1adverse health effect
An effect detrimental to an individual’s health and physical well-being due to overexposure (hazardous) to an electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic field or to induced or contact currents or voltages.
2.2antenna
A device designed for radiating (or receiving) electromagnetic energy.
2.3averaging time (Tavg)
The appropriate time period over which exposure is averaged for purposes of determining compliance with a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) or reference level.
2.4basic restrictions (BRs)
Exposure restrictions that are based on established adverse health effects that incorporate appropriate safety factors and are expressed in terms of the in situ electric field (3 kHz to 5 MHz), specific absorption rate (100 kHz to 3 GHz), or incident power density (3 GHz to 300 GHz). Depending upon the frequency of the electromagnetic field, the physical quantities used to specify these restrictions are internal electric field strength (Eint), current density (J), specific absorption rate (SAR), specific absorption (SA) and power density (S). They are formulated in metrics that quantify RF field induced inside the body, which consequently provide a more accurate measure of harmful exposure compared to derived limits based only on ambient field-strength (E and H) exposures. However, BR quantities are often difficult and impractical to measure.
2.5biological effect
An effect caused by, or in response to, exposure to a biological, chemical, or physical agent, including electromagnetic energy.
2.6controlled environment
An area where the occupancy and activity of those within is subject to control and accountability as established by an RF safety program for the purpose of protection from RF exposure hazards.
2.7current density
The ratio of the current flowing to the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of the current, expressed in units of ampere per square meter (A/m2).
2.8electric field
A fundamental component of electromagnetic waves, which exists when there is a voltage difference between two points in space.
2.9electric field strength(E)
Force exerted by an electric field on an electric point charge, divided by the electric charge. Electric field strength is expressed in newton per coulomb (N/C) or volt per meter (V/m).
2.10EMF
electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field
2.11exposure
Being in the presence of electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields or in contact with a current source.
2.12exposure limit
The root-mean-square (rms) or peak electric and magnetic field strengths, their squares, or the plane-wave equivalent power densities associated with these fields, and the induced and contact currents and contact voltages that are used to define the exposure categories and to which a person may be exposed without harmful effect and with an acceptable safety factor.
2.13ionizing radiation
Any electromagnetic (EM) or particulate radiation capable of producing ions directly or indirectly in its passage through matter. Examples are X-rays and gamma rays.
2.14limbs
The entire leg or arm.
2.15magnetic field
A fundamental component of electromagnetic waves produced by a moving electric charge.
2.16magnetic field strength(H)
The magnitude of the magnetic field vector; expressed in units of ampere per meter (A/m).
2.17maximum permissible exposure (MPE)
Derived limits in RF exposure standards for time averaged and peak exposures to ambient electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields, e.g., the root-mean-square (rms) or peak electric and magnetic field strengths, their squares, or the plane-wave equivalent power densities associated with these fields, and the induced and contact currents and contact voltages to which a person may be exposed without harmful effect due to the effects identified in the standard, and with an acceptable safety factor for protection from such effects as described in the standard.
2.18occupational exposure
RF exposure of persons induced as a consequence of their employment who have been made fully aware of the potential for exposure and can exercise control over their exposure such as through the use of administrative or engineering controls or safe work practices (e.g., use of personal protective equipment or time averaging of exposures).
2.19plane wave
An electromagnetic wave characterized by mutually orthogonal electric and magnetic fields that are related by the impedance of free space (377 ohms).
2.20power density
The ambient field exposure (E or H), or power density (S) averaged over a number of spatial locations. Different spatial averaging schemes are defined in various standards and guidelines. For frequencies up to 3 GHz, the average of the field strength squared or equivalent power density over an area equivalent to the vertical cross section of the adult human body, as applied to the measurement of electric or magnetic fields in the assessment of whole-body exposure.
2.21reference level
Limits for the exposure field strength and contact current values derived or estimated from the BRs. The reference levels associated with direct effects are electric field strength (E), magnetic field strength (H), magnetic flux density (B), power density (S), and currents flowing through the limbs (IL).
2.22risk
The probability of a specific adverse outcome associated with an acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) exposure scenario.
2.23specific absorption rate (SAR)
The time derivative of the incremental energy (dW) absorbed by (dissipated in) an incremental mass (dm) contained in a volume element (dV) of given density (ρ). SAR is expressed by the unit of watt per kilogram (W/kg).
3.International Regulations and Guidelines on Human Exposure to EMF (EMF Impact to Humans)
This chapter describes the two types of international standards of both regulations and guidelines for humans, occupational and the general public.
3.1Exposure standards
Exposure standards are specifications that limit the exposure of people to the electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The purpose of exposure standards is to establish the maximum radio frequency energy level know as Specific Absorption rate (SAR)in watts per kilogram (W/kg) that can be safely absorbed by people.
3.1.1ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection)
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) provides scientific advice and guidance on the health and environmental effects of non-ionizing radiation (NIR) to protect people and the environment from detrimental NIR exposure. Exposure of people to EMFs are measured by SAR (Specific energy Absorption Rate) and regulated by the ICNIRP, if a local or national regulatory agency does not cover the limitations on exposures.
ICNIRP Basic Limits
Type of Exposure / Frequency Range / Current Density for head and trunk (mA/m2) (rms) / Whole-body average SAR (W/kg) / Localized SAR (head and trunk) (W/kg) / Localized SAR (limbs) (W/kg)Occupational Exposure / Up to 1 Hz / 40
1 – 4 Hz / 40/f
4 Hz – 1 kHz / 10
1 – 100 kHz / f /100
100 kHz – 10 MHz / f /100 / 0.4 / 10 / 20
10 MHz – 10 GHz / 0.4 / 10 / 20
General Public / Up to 1 Hz / 8
1 – 4 Hz / 8/f
4 Hz – 1 kHz / 2
1 – 100 kHz / f /500
100 kHz – 10 MHz / f /500 / 0.08 / 2 / 4
10 MHz – 10 GHz / 0.08 / 2 / 4
ICNIRP Reference Levels (Unperturbed rms Values)
Type of Exposure / Frequency Range / Electric Field Strength (V/m) / Magnetic Field Strength (A/m) / Equivalent Plane Wave Power Density SOccupational Exposure / Up to 1 Hz / - / 2 105 / -
1 – 8 Hz / 20,000 / 2 105/ f 2 / -
8 – 25 Hz / 20,000 / 2 104/ f / -
0.025 – 0.82 Hz / 500/f / 20/f / -
0.82 – 65 kHz / 610 / 24.4 / -
0.065 – 1 MHz / 610 / 1.6/ f / -
1 – 10 MHz / 610/f / 1.6/ f / -
10 – 400 MHz / 61 / 0.16 / 10
400 – 2000 MHz / 3f1/2 / 0.008 f 1/2 / f/40
2 – 300 GHz / 137 / 0.36 / 50
General Public / Up to 1 Hz / - / 2 104 / -
1 – 8 Hz / 10,000 / 2 104 / f 2 / -
8 – 25 Hz / 10,000 / 5,000 / f / -
0.025 – 0.8 kHz / 250 / f / 4 / f / -
0.8 – 3 kHz / 250 / f / 5 / -
3 – 150 kHz / 87 / 5 / -
0.15 – 1 MHz / 87 / 0.73 / f / -
1 – 10 MHz / 87 / f 1/2 / 0.73 / f / -
10 – 400 MHz / 28 / 0.073 / 2
400 – 2000 MHz / 1.375 f 1/2 / 0.0037 f 1/2 / f/2000
2 – 300 GHz / 61 / 0.16 / 10
3.1.2IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electron Engineers)/ICES (International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety)
The IEEE is the world’s largest professional association advancing innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity. Its core purpose is to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. The International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) is responsible for development of standards for the safe use of electromagnetic energy in the range of 0 Hz to 300 GHz.
IEEE/ICES Maximum Permissible Exposure Limits, RF EMF
Type of Exposure / Frequency Range (MHz) / RMS Electric Field Strength (V/m) / RMS Magnetic Field Strength (A/m) / RMS Power Density (E-field, H-field) (W/m2) / Averaging Time (min)E2 / S or H2
Controlled Environment / 0.1 – 1.0 / 1842 / 16.3/fM / (9000, 100,000/fM2) / 6
1 – 30 / 1842/fM / 16.3/fM / (9000/fM2, 100,000/fM2) / 6
30 – 100 / 61.4 / 16.3/fM / (10, 100,000/fM2) / 6
100 – 300 / 61.4 / 0.163 / 10 / 6
300 – 3000 / - / - / fM/30 / 6
3000 – 30,000 / - / - / 100 / 19.63/fG1.079
30,000 – 300,000 / - / - / 100 / 2.524fG0.476
General Public / 0.1 – 1.34 / 614 / 16.3/fM / (1000, 100,000/fM2) / 6
1.34 – 3.0 / 823.8/fM / 16.3/fM / (1800//fM2, 100,000/fM2) / fM2/0.3 / 6
3 – 30 / 823.8/fM / 16.3/fM / (1800/fM2, 100,000/fM2) / 30 / 6
30 – 100 / 27.5 / 158.3/fM1.668 / (2, 9,400,000//fM3.336) / 30 / 0.0636 fM1.337
100 – 400 / 27.5 / 0.0729 / 2 / 30 / 30
400 - 2000 / - / - / fM/200 / 30
2000 – 5000 / - / - / 10 / 30
5000 – 30,000 / - / - / 10 / 150/fG
30,000 – 100,000 / - / - / 10 / 25.24/fG0.476
100,000 –300,000 / - / - / (20/fG – 7000)/200 / 5048/[(9fG- 7000) fG0.476]
3.1.3NRPB
The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) was a public authority in the UK created by the Radiological Protection Act 1970. Its statutory functions were to conduct research on radiological protection and provide advice and information on the subject to Government Departments and others. It was also authorized to provide technical services and charge for them. Originally NRPB dealt only with ionizing radiation, but its functions were extended in 1974 to non-ionizing radiation.
NRPB investigation levels for exposure to electric and magnetic fields in the frequency range 12 MHz to 300 GHz
Frequency Range / Electric Field Strength(V m-1) / Magnetic Field Strength
(A m-1) / Power Density
12 – 200 MHz / 50 / 0.13 / 6.6
200 – 400 MHz / 250 f / 0.66 f / 165 f 2
400 – 800 MHz / 100 / 0.26 / 26
0.8 – 1.55 GHz / 125 f / 0.33 f / 41 f2
1.55 – 300 GHz / 0.52 / 0.52 / 100
[f is in frequency in GHz]
3.1.4FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the commission is the United States' primary authority for communications law, regulation and technological innovation.
Limits for Maximum Permissible Exposure [Occupational/Controlled]
Frequency Range (MHz) / Electrical Field Strength (V/m) / Magnetic Field Strength (A/m) / Power Density(mW/cm2) / Averaging Time
(min)
0.3 – 3.0 / 614 / 1.63 / *100 / 6
3.0 – 30 / 1842/f / 4.89/f / *900/f2 / 6
30 – 300 / 61.4 / 0.163 / 1.0 / 6
300 – 1,500 / - / - / f/300 / 6
1,500 – 100,000 / - / - / 5 / 6
Limits for Maximum Permissible Exposure [General Public/Uncontrolled]
Frequency Range (MHz) / Electrical Field Strength (V/m) / Magnetic Field Strength (A/m) / Power Density(mW/cm2) / Averaging Time
(min)
0.3 – 1.34 / 614 / 1.63 / *100 / 30
1.34 – 30 / 842/f / 2.19/f / *180/f2 / 30
30 – 300 / 27.5 / 0.073 / 0.2 / 30
300 – 1,500 / - / - / f/1500 / 30
1,500 – 100,00 / - / - / 1.0 / 30
f = Frequency in MHz; * = Plane-wave equivalent power density
3.2Emission standards
Emission standards are specifications that limit the emission of electromagnetic field (EMFs) from the electric devices. The purpose of emission standards is to regulate the amount of radio frequency emission from a device tominimize the possibility ofinterference to other services or nearby equipment.Emission standards are often part of an Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) framework.
3.2.1IEEE/IEC (International Electrotechnical Standardization)
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that publishes consensus-based International Standards and manages conformity assessment systems for electric and electronic products, systems and services, collectively known as electro technology.
3.2.2CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization)
The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) is responsible for standardization in the electrotechnical engineering field. CENELEC prepares voluntary standards, which help facilitate trade between countries, create new markets, cut compliance costs and support the development of a Single European Market.
4.Related International Activities of EMF
This chapter describes international standards and activities of EMF.
4.1Standard Developing Organizations
4.1.1ITU
ITU holds the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) every four years, and on 2012 (WTSA-12), they approved Resolution 72: Measurements concerning human exposure to EMFs. Since the enacting of the Resolution, ITU has continuously developed studies and researches that were necessary for radio communication development and now is the leading force behind future development. Now the ITU regulates world radio communications, and satellite communications. They also established standard regulations for city development regarding telecommunications.
ITU splits into three major divisions: ITU-Radiocommunication (ITU-R), ITU-Standardization (ITU-T), and ITU-Development (ITU-D) and under each division, they each have study groups (SG) that focus on a particular aspect of study. They conduct experiments, find information and publish it to the open for agencies, governments, and the public to see. They also hold numerous events (public and private) where they would present new information, discuss/debate conflicts, and finally establish a conclusion from their meeting.
4.1.1.1ITU-T
The ITU Standardization division is the leading researcher for EMF exposure and health. They currently have a study group (SG5) researching various questions on EMFs. One of the questions (Q3) concerns “Human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from information and communication technologies (ICTs).” SG5 provides a high-level framework for managing human exposure to EMFs and also offer guidelines for assessing exposure based on existing recommendations + other standards.
They have started and finished numerous studies and analysis, and they now focus on building guidance for environmental management of EMF radiation and exposure. These guidelines will and have helped developing countries structure their telecommunication infrastructure efficiently and safely. ITU-T SG5 develops Recommendations, supplements and other publications related to the assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by ICT installations and devices. Keeping in mind the electromagnetic fields (EMF) aspects, ITU-T SG5 will take into consideration that the deployment of 5G will see the evolution and expansion of existing 4G networks and the introduction of new radio access networks within the millimeter wave bands. These networks will include a range of installations, including smaller cell deployments and advanced antenna technologies, such as massive MIMO antennas that will allow the use of very narrow beams which will follow the user and may impact the surrounding exposure levels. In conjunction with the growth of 5G, the number of wireless devices will dramatically increase. However, at the same time, new technologies will allow the use of more efficient systems that require lower level signals for communication. It will also involve software defined radio (SDR) and band aggregation that will improve communication efficiency. So ITU-T SG5 should contribute to the process on standardization for 5G by considering EMF aspects related to:
the impact of 5G technologies on the compliance assessment methodology;
the deployment of smart antennas;
the use of Software Defined Radio;
the communication and understanding among stakeholders and general public related to the effect on human health.
K seriesRecommendations on human exposure to electromagnetic fields are listed in the table.
Number / Approval Date / TitleK. 52 / 2016.12.14 / Guidance on complying with limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields
K. 61 / 2008.02.29 / Guidance on measurement and numerical prediction of electromagnetic fields for compliance with human exposure limits for telecommunication installations
K. 70 / 2007.06.29 / Mitigation techniques to limit human exposure to EMFs in the vicinity of radiocommunication stations
K. 83 / 2011.03.09 / Monitoring of electromagnetic field levels
K. 90 / 2012.05.29 / Evaluation techniques and working procedures for compliance with exposure limits of network operator personnel to power-frequency electromagnetic fields
K. 91 / 2017.07.29 / Guidance for assessment, evaluation and monitoring of human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields
K. 100 / 2017.07.29 / Measurement of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to determine compliance with human exposure limits when a base station is put into service
K. 113 / 2015.11.29 / Generation of radiofrequency electromagnetic field level maps
K. 121 / 2016.12.14 / Guidance on the environmental management for compliance with radio frequency EMF limits for radio communication base stations
K. 122 / 2016.12.14 / Exposure levels in close proximity of radio communication antennas
K Suppl. 1 / 2014.07.29 / ITU-T K.91 – Guide on electromagnetic fields and health
K Suppl. 2 / 2014.12.19 / ITU-T K.52 - Calculator for equivalent isotropic radiated power as described in Recommendation ITU-T K.52
K Suppl. 3 / 2015.10.23 / ITU-T K.20, K.21, K.45, K.82 – Additional criteria to protect telecommunication cabling during a power cross event
K Suppl. 4 / 2015.10.23 / ITU-T K.91 - Electromagnetic field considerations in smart sustainable cities
4.1.2IEC
The International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) has been working on their own project on health effects from exposure to radio EMFs since before the WHO initiated theirs. They are the world leading organization for the publication and preparation of International standards for all electronic related technologies and have worked with numerous companies, industries, and governments to discuss about development and safety. They also work with major international organizations, like the ITU and ISO, to ensure the international standards fit together and are credible. They do so by jointly cooperating with experts of all relevant fields.
IEC’s International Advisory Committee (IAC) plays another large role in supporting the IEC’s research and study on health effects. They are in charge of managing and supervising IEC’s projects; some general projects are:
-Providing forums for coordinating responses on health concerns raised by EMF exposure
-Reviewing and commenting on information related to public and occupational health along with environmental management of the EMF issue.