Abstract

Overview

In March 2020, the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) issued guidelines that solely address thermal effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), ranging from 100 kHz to 300 GHz. These guidelines are purported to reflect a current consensus in scientific understanding.

Findings

• The authors analyzed whether the literature cited by the ICNIRP to support their 2020 guidelines indeed reflects a broad scientific base. The analysis reveals a tightly-knit network of just 17 core researchers, most affiliated with the ICNIRP itself or IEEE, significantly involved in the development and support of these guidelines.
• Contrary to the claims of independence and broad consensus, the majority of the literature backing these guidelines is produced by this small group, which includes members of both the ICNIRP 2020 and IEEE committees. Most literature reviews presented as independent have authors who are part of the same network.
• The findings indicate a significant conflict of interest and lack of broad scientific validation, challenging the claims that these guidelines reflect a consensus in the scientific community regarding EMF health impacts.

Conclusion

The ICNIRP 2020 guidelines on EMF exposure do not meet essential scientific quality requirements and fail to encompass a diverse or balanced scientific viewpoint. Therefore, they should not form the basis for setting RF EMF exposure limits intended for public health protection.