Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This study discusses the major approaches used by the Russian Federation in setting exposure guidelines for electromagnetic fields (EMF) in occupational and public environments. The guidelines are extensively based on hygienic, clinical, physiological, epidemiological, and experimental studies and cater specifically to the frequency-dependency of EMFs.

Findings

• The concept of a threshold principle is applied to determine permissible exposure levels across different EMF frequency ranges.
• The data reveals hazardous threshold levels of EMF effects, evaluating both chronic (long-term) and acute exposure levels.
• Recent experimental studies introducing a time-dependence approach correlate long-term effects of radiofrequency and power-frequency EMF exposure with exposure duration, impacting guideline thresholds for permissible exposure levels.

Conclusion

The guidelines incorporate factors like "power exposition" (PE) and "maximal permissible level" (MPL) for setting occupational exposure limits, considering the possible exposure duration per day. The unknown effects of concomitant exposure from multiple EMF sources remain a critical concern.