New Membership of the Standing Committees

The recently appointed ICNIRP Commission has now elected the members of its four Standing Committees. The Standing Committees are essential to carry out the work programme. Their role is to assist the Commission by drafting documents, preparing statements and reviews and provide advice to answer specific questions. Finally, the SC members are often giving lectures at ICNIRP seminars and workshops. ICNIRP's expertise in all relevant NIR fields is broadened by the SC's and their specialized focus in Epidemiology, Biology, Physics and Engineering and Optical Radiation. ICNIRP is looking forward to a productive term of office 2004-2008. View the new SC membership here SCI, SCII, SCIII, and SCIV.

"Epidemiology of Health Effects of Radiofrequency Exposure", a review by ICNIRP SCI here

ICNIRP Standing Committee I under the Chairmanship of Anders Ahlbom has undertaken a comprehensive review of epidemiologic studies about the effects of radiofrequency fields (RFs) on human health in order to summarize the current state of knowledge, explain the methodologic issues that are involved, and aid in the planning of future studies. There have been a large number of occupational studies over several decades, particularly on cancer, cardiovascular disease, adverse reproductive outcome, and cataract, in relation to RF exposure. More recently, there have been studies of residential exposure, mainly from radio and television transmitters, and especially focusing on leukemia. There have also been studies of mobile telephone users, particularly on brain tumors and less often on other cancers and on symptoms. Results of these studies to date give no consistent or convincing evidence of a causal relation between RF exposure and any adverse health effect. On the other hand, the studies have too many deficiencies to rule out an association. A key concern across all studies is the quality of assessment of RF exposure. Despite the ubiquity of new technologies using RFs, little is known about population exposure from RF sources and even less about the relative importance of different sources. Other cautions are that mobile phone studies to date have been able to address only relatively short lag periods, that almost no data are available on the consequences of childhood exposure, and that published data largely concentrate on a small number of outcomes, especially brain tumor and leukemia. The review entitled "Epidemiology of Health Effects of Radiofrequency Exposure" is now published in EHP Online and also available here.

ICNIRP elects a new Scientific Secretary: Dr. G. Ziegelberger

At its last Annual General Meeting, ICNIRP elected Dr. Gunde Ziegelberger as new Scientific Secretary. She replaces Roger Matthes, who became a Commission Member last May. Dr. Ziegelberger's background is in Biology. After a career as senior research assistant at the Max-Planck-Institute, she joined the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz) in 2002, where she is now working on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

Revision of the UV Guidelines published in Health Physics

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on maximal limits of exposure to UVR in the spectral region between 180 nm and 400 nm. The limits represent conditions under which it is expected that nearly all individuals may be repeatedly exposed without acute adverse effects and, based upon best available evidence, without noticeable risk of delayed effects (see paragraph on Special Considerations). These EL values for exposure of the eye or the skin may be used to evaluate potentially hazardous exposure from UVR; e.g. from arcs, gas and vapour discharges, fluorescent lamps, incandescent sources, and solar radiation. The limits do not apply to lasers that emit UVR. Most incoherent UVR sources are broadband, although single emission lines can be produced from low-pressure gas discharges. These values should be used as guides in the control of exposure to both pulsed and continuous sources where the exposure duration is not less than 1 µs. These ELs are below levels that would be used for UV exposures of patients required as a part of medical treatment or for elective cosmetic purposes. These ELs are exceeded for exposed skin by noonday summer sunlight overhead at 0º-40º latitude within 5-10 minutes. The ELs should be considered absolute limits for direct exposure of the eye, and "advisory" for skin exposure because of the wide range of susceptibility to skin injury depending on skin type. The ELs should be adequate to protect lightly pigmented individuals. The document is now available here.

MRI Statement published in Health Physics

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an established diagnostic imaging modality. The clinical usefulness of in-vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been demonstrated in several clinical applications and is being explored further. These techniques involve exposure of the patient to static and time-varying magnetic fields, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, and acoustic noise. In particular exposure conditions, these fields may pose a health hazard or increased risk. The International Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA/INIRC) has published a guideline on protection of the patient undergoing a magnetic resonance examination (IRPA/INIRC 1991). In recent years, the successor of IRPA/INIRC, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has performed reviews of the biological effects from exposure to static and time-varying electromagnetic fields (ICNIRP 1997a, 1997b, 2001). Guidelines on limits of exposure to static magnetic fields and Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying, electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) have been published by ICNIRP respectively in 1994 and 1998 (ICNIRP 1994; 1998). Recently, several reviews concerning safety aspects of MR procedures have been published (e.g., Ordidge et al. 2000; Shellock 2001; Shellock 2003). These publications, in conjunction with other reviews and recent literature, form the basis for the review of research data on MRI procedures in this document. The document is now available here.

EASD Statement published in Health Physics

Over one million Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems, developed to protect against theft, are installed world-wide. Even more Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) systems are in operation to provide identification of persons or objects, or to improve the controlled transportation and logistic of various items. Millions of metal detectors systems are used to locate a ferrous or conductive target. All of these systems use electromagnetic fields to detect or communicate over a short distance (usually up to a few meters). For the general public, they involve brief exposure times of generally less than a few seconds. For occupational exposure, extended exposure times may occur. The objective of this statement is to address the possible adverse effects from exposure to pulsed and continuous wave (cw) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) associated with the use of electronic security and similar devices. The document is now available here

ICNIRP Commission 2004-2008 takes office

The election of the ICNIRP Main Commission for the term of office 2004-2008 took place last September in Bordeaux on the occasion of the Election Meeting. The new Commission took office on 28 May 2004 at the end of the IRPA Congress. A detailed list with biographical information on the new members is available here.

Successful 5th International NIR Workshop 2004

Reflecting the broad interest in NIR and especially in mobile telephony issues noticeable around the world, the 5th International NIR Workshop, 20-22 May 2004, Seville, Spain has known the largest participation ever in the history of ICNIRP NIR Workshops. More than 70 posters were presented and more than 200 participants attended. ICNIRP extends its thanks to its co-sponsors, WHO, URSI and ICOH, as well as to all lecturers, scientists who presented posters, and attendees. If you wish to order the CD- proceedings, please place your order here.

Exposure to Static and Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, Biological Effects and Health Consequences (0-100 kHz) - Review

This review addresses the current scientific evidence concerning exposure to static and low frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and the resulting consequences for health. It covers all scientific aspects relevant in this area which include numerical dosimetry, measurements, biological laboratory investigations in vitro and in vivo, as well as epidemiological findings. This review was motivated by the needs of the World Health Organization´s International EMF Project and ICNIRP´s own agenda of reviewing its guidance and advice on the health hazards of EMF exposure. This review only covers static and low frequency EMFs from 0 to 100 kHz. A review of the scientific evidence in the RF area has been started by ICNIRP. Both reviews once accomplished will form the basis for a thorough reevaluation of ICNIRP´s science based guidance on limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields. This review is now available for order.

Icnirp’s Annual General Meeting 2003

The Annual General Meeting of the ICNIRP Main Commission took place at the University of Bordeaux, 1 to 4 September. An important priority of the meeting was the election of new Commission members whose term of office will begin in May 2004. Other important matters discussed were the ICNIRP/WHO International NIR Workshop and combined URSI Symposium, which will take place in Seville in May 2004. The Commission also discussed reviews being carried out by ICNIRP's Scientific Standing Committees on epidemiology, biology and dosimetry related to EMF and health. These will provide important scientific input to major health risk assessments on EMF being carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO). ICNIRP met with representatives from WHO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and this afforded the opportunity to strengthen co-operation with our international partners and collaborative organisations. A summary of ICNIRP's activities over the last year is presented in the ICNIRP 2003 report.

Further news

Pulsed Magnetic Fields

 more info

Concerted Action: "Possible Health Risk to the General Public from the Use of Security and Similar Devices", report published

 more info

WHO-ICNIRP Collaboration renewed

 more info

"Health issues of UV tanning appliances used for cosmetic purposes"

 more info

Icnirp’s Annual Meeting 2002

 more info

Euroskin International Conference "Children under the Sun - UV Radiation and Children's Skin"

 more info

Global Solar UV Index

 more info

General System of Protection against Non Ionizing Radiation

 more info

Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health - Joint letter from ICNIRP, EBEA and COST-281 action to the European Parliament

 more info

ICNIRP SC I Review of the epidemiological literature on EMF and health published

 more info

Icnirp's View on IARC's evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans from exposure to electric and magnetic fields

 more info

"Pulsed Magnetic Fields": Statement published in Health Physics in March 2003

Standing Committee III's statement entitled "Guidance on determining compliance of exposure to pulsed and complex non-sinusoidal waveforms below 100 kHz with ICNIRP Guidelines" has undergone a 90-day external review and has then been accepted by the Commission. Its publication has been scheduled in Health Physics in March 2003. The statement is now available here.

Concerted Action: "Possible Health Risk to the General Public from the Use of Security and Similar Devices", report published

Within the Concerted Action's project entitled "Environment & Health – Health impact of electromagnetic fields of the Fifth Framework programme of the European Commission", ICNIRP was contracted to develop advice on the risk to health of the general public from the use of security and similar devices employing pulsed electromagnetic fields. ICNIRP's Concerted Action members drafted a report entitled "Possible Health Risks to the General Public from the Use of Security and Similar Devices", which was approved by the EC at the end of 2002. The Executive Summary is now available here. The report is available for order.

WHO-ICNIRP Collaboration renewed

In renewing the official collaborative relationship between WHO and ICNIRP, the Executive Board of WHO commended ICNIRP's efforts in support of the work of the World Health Organization. ICNIRP looks forward to providing further scientific support for WHO particularly in relation to the WHO International EMF and INTERSUN programmes. WHO is the principal of ICNIRP's many international and national partners in non-ionizing radiation protection.

"Health Issues of Ultraviolet Tanning Appliances used for Cosmetic Purposes"

ICNIRP' s Statement "Health Issues of Ultraviolet Tanning Appliances Used for Cosmetic Purposes" has been approved and published in Health Physics, in January 2003, Vol 84. The statement is now available here.

Icnirp’s Annual Meeting 2002

10 years after ICNIRP received its independent Charter from the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA), ICNIRP was back in Vancouver, Canada for its 2002 Annual Meeting. This was held from 6th to 9th May 2002 in collaboration with the Annual Congress of the Canadian Radiation Protection Association. The priorities of this year's Annual Meeting focussed on the reviews of the scientific literature on ELF and RF fields, which ICNIRP is carrying out. These reviews will provide important scientific input to major health risk assessments on EMF being carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO). ICNIRP met with representatives from WHO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and this afforded the opportunity to strengthen co-operation with our international partners and collaborative organizations. A summary of ICNIRP’s activities over the last year is presented in ICNIRP 2002 report.

Euroskin International Conference "Children under the Sun - UV Radiation and Children's Skin"

ICNIRP members participated in the 2nd EUROSKIN International Conference "Children under the Sun - UV Radiation and Children's Skin" held in Orvieto, Italy, 1-5 October 2001. The European Society for Skin Cancer Prevention (EUROSKIN) is one of ICNIRP's International Partners in non-ionizing radiation protection. The recommendations of the Conference and of a WHO Workshop - Children's Sun Protection Education, held in association with it, are presented here. Recommendations.

Global Solar UV Index

As scientific input to the WHO INTERSUN project, ICNIRP organized a scientific meeting in December 2000 in Munich, Germany, with the objective of further development of a global solar UV Index. The Index is used as a simple measure of the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) level at the Earth's surface and serves as an important vehicle to raise public awareness and to alert people about the need to adopt protective measures when exposed to UVR. The material resulting from the meeting has been compiled for publication by WHO. The document is available here.

General System of Protection against Non Ionizing Radiation

This document sets out the basis for ICNIRP’s approach to non-ionizing radiation protection in providing advice on protection against non-ionizing radiation (NIR) exposure, to serve both as a guide for the understanding of ICNIRP's documents and for its future work. It has been subject to external review and comments and has been approved by the Commission for publication.It has now been published in “Health Physics” Vol 82, Nr 4, April 2002. The document is available here.

Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health - Joint letter from ICNIRP, EBEA and COST-281 action to the European Parliament

A letter was recently sent to the European Parliament jointly on behalf of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the European BioElectromagnetics Association (EBEA) and the COST-281 action to inform of the independent scientific advice that is available from the three organizations on the subject of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and human health. Read letter.

ICNIRP SC I Review of the epidemiological literature on EMF and health published

ICNIRP's Standing Committee I on Epidemiology's review of the epidemiological literature on EMF and health has been published in the scientific journal "Environmental Health Perspectives", Volume 109 (Supplement 6) December 2001.

This review will be a contribution from ICNIRP to a comprehensive health risk assessment of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields about to be undertaken by the World Health Organization.

Two further reviews are currently being undertaken by ICNIRP. One by ICNIRP's Standing Committee II on Biology on the biological effects of ELF and another by Standing Committee III on the physics, engineering and dosimetry aspects. Both of these reviews will also contribute to the WHO health risk assessment.

The abstract for the epidemiology review is available here.The full review document is available here.

IARC's evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans from exposure to electric and magnetic fields

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) held a monograph meeting in June 2001 to evaluate the scientific evidence that exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields may cause cancer in humans. As an outcome of the meeting, reported in a press release by IARC, ELF magnetic fields were classified in Group 2B, i.e. as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The classification was based on limited, but consistent, evidence of an epidemiological association between residential magnetic field exposure and childhood leukaemia. No consistent evidence was found of other childhood tumours, as well as of any adult cancer, neither for occupational nor for residential exposure. Because of insufficient data, ELF electric fields could not be classified as to their carcinogenicity to humans. The IARC evaluation was based on a comprehensive review of the pertinent literature. Two recent pooled analyses of original data from several epidemiological studies played a crucial role in the classification. ICNIRP reviewed the scientific literature on health effects of ELF fields, with special attention to epidemiological studies and metanalyses, as a step in the development of its guidelines issued in 1998. It was concluded that in the absence of support from laboratory studies, the epidemiological data were insufficient to allow an exposure guideline to be established. ICNIRP’s view does not conflict with IARC’s classification. Although the support for the possibility that ELF magnetic fields are carcinogenic has strengthened since 1998, changes in present guidelines would not be justified.