[Cellular radio systems. Problems faced in assessing exposure to electromagnetic fields]

Abstract

Over twenty years of its existence, cellular radio systems have become one of the major sources of human exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) of high frequency. With the increasing number of cellular phones, the interest in health effects of exposure to EMF emitted by them continues to grow. At present, there is a general opinion that thermal effect (change of electromagnetic energy into thermal energy) is an essential mechanism of possible biological effects. The majority of world standards for exposure to EMF are based on this effect. The author presents Polish standards and those of the International Commission on Nonionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for EMF of frequencies used in cellular radio systems, both basic that limits SAR (Specific Absorption Rate), and derived that limits the power density, as well as intensity of electric and magnetic fields. Attention was also turned to the problems concerning the application of cellular phones and those resulting from the character of the field emitted by them to which their users are exposed. Bearing in mind the results of the laboratory analyses of SAR values occurring in the user's head, and measurements of power density in the vicinity of the base station antennas, it can be stated that, in view of binding and recommended standards, cellular phones do not present any hazard to their users (private or professional). However, it should be stressed that standards adopted protect the user's head against the thermal effect, whereas the question on whether they also protect against non-thermal effects still remains without answer.