5 March 2001
The CEO of ARPANSA, Dr John Loy, released a draft Radiofrequency Standard in Canberra today before the Senate Committee inquiry into electromagnetic radiation, and invited public comment on the document.
The draft Standard specifies limits for public and occupational exposure to electromagnetic radiation hazards in the frequency range 3 kHz to 300 GHz, to prevent adverse effects.
Dr Loy explained “The draft Standard does more than simply set exposure limits, it also provides the full rationale for these limits and examines studies dealing with the health effects of radio waves at both high and low levels of exposure”.
The draft Standard is designed to protect against known health effects of RF radiation. The draft also recommends that it is generally sensible in achieving service or process requirements to minimise unnecessary or incidental RF exposure, provided it does not introduce other risks and can be achieved at modest expense.
Dr Loy said “People are welcome to review the draft RF Standard and raise any issues and comment they may have about it with ARPANSA. The draft Standard can be viewed on ARPANSA’s web site, or single copies can be requested next week by phoning 03 9433 2339.
The Standard has a very broad application – it covers frequencies used by mobile phones and base stations as well as many other applications including the use of RF welders in industry.
The draft Standard has been prepared by a Working Group of the Radiation Health Committee (RHC). The RHC is set up under the ARPANS Act to develop draft national radiation protection standards.
Public submissions on the draft RF Standard should be addressed to: Mr Alan
Melbourne, Manager - Standards Development and Committee Support Section,
ARPANSA, Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie VIC 3085, before 11 May
2001.
ENDS