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.
Non-ionizing radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet, light, infrared, and radiowaves, and mechanical waves such as infra- and ultrasound. In daily life, common sources of NIR include the sun, household electrical appliances, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and microwave ovens.
Within the electromagnetic spectrum, NIR is situated below the ionizing radiation band that includes x-rays. NIR has less energy than ionizing radiation and cannot remove electrons from atoms, i.e. NIR can not ionize (except for part of the UV band). NIR is sub-grouped into different frequency or wavelength bands. The different subgroups have different effects on the body and require different protection measures.
ICNIRP gives recommendations on limiting exposure for the frequencies in the different NIR subgroups. It develops and publishes Guidelines, Statements, and reviews used by regional, national, and international radiation protection bodies, such as the World Health Organization. ICNIRP is a main contributor to the international scientific NIR dialogue and the advancement of NIR protection.
ICNIRP is independent from commercial, national and vested interests. ICNIRP’s members do not represent their country of origin nor their institute. They cannot hold a position of employment or have other interests that compromise their scientific independence. ICNIRP does not receive money from industry, its funding stems from subsidies granted by national and international public institutions. For more information on fundings and governance, read here.
Non-ionizing radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet, light, infrared, and radiowaves, and mechanical waves such as infra- and ultrasound. In daily life, common sources of NIR include the sun, household electrical appliances, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and microwave ovens.
Within the electromagnetic spectrum, NIR is situated below the ionizing radiation band that includes x-rays. NIR has less energy than ionizing radiation and cannot remove electrons from atoms, i.e. NIR can not ionize (except for part of the UV band). NIR is sub-grouped into different frequency or wavelength bands. The different subgroups have different effects on the body and require different protection measures.
ICNIRP gives recommendations on limiting exposure for the frequencies in the different NIR subgroups. It develops and publishes Guidelines, Statements, and reviews used by regional, national, and international radiation protection bodies, such as the World Health Organization. ICNIRP is a main contributor to the international scientific NIR dialogue and the advancement of NIR protection.
ICNIRP is independent from commercial, national and vested interests. ICNIRP’s members do not represent their country of origin nor their institute. They cannot hold a position of employment or have other interests that compromise their scientific independence. ICNIRP does not receive money from industry, its funding stems from subsidies granted by national and international public institutions. For more information on fundings and governance, read here.