HUMAN EXPOSURE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37798/2006555399Keywords:
confirmed and assumed effects, electric fi eld, electromagnetic field, magnetic field, non-ionizing radiation, precautionary principle, prudent avoidance, radiation exposure reference levelsAbstract
In today’s modern world, electromagnetic pollution has become intense and raises fears which are sometimes justified and sometimes exaggerated. Although numerous investigations have been conducted in the world in the most eminent laboratories, there has been no incontestable proof that such pollution is harmful to human beings. In the article, sources of electromagnetic radiation, their intensity and the frequency ranges in which they are manifested are discussed. Moreover, on the basis of international recommendations and regulations, specific safety measures are proposed that should be implemented by all the participants in the process of creating electromagnetic pollution. Principles are presented for preventing the harmful effects, together with the safety exposure limits for electric and magnetic fields that were adopted by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the Council of the European Union, and the Croatian Ministry of Health. A brief review is presented of the legislative positions of individual countries of Europe. The article is a particularly timely response to individuals from various associations who are attempting to block technological progress with scientifically unfounded assertions.