12 June 2024

Congratulations to ARPANSA CEO Dr Gillian Hirth AO who was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia on Monday 10 June 2024.

Dr Hirth AO was honoured for her ‘distinguished service to environmental science, particularly radiation and nuclear safety, and to the development of national and international regulatory standards’ as part of the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List.

Appointed CEO of ARPANSA in 2022, Dr Hirth AO is an internationally renowned expert in radiation protection and nuclear safety with broad experience in environmental management, nuclear materials, occupational exposure and radioactive waste.

‘It is an absolute honour to receive this recognition of my work in an area I am so passionate about’, said Dr Hirth AO.

‘ARPANSA has a critical role to play in ensuring a safe radiation environment for Australia and protecting workers, patients and communities.’ 

‘I am proud to be delivering on this purpose and ensuring international best practice is embedded into everything we do.’

Dr Hirth AO was one of 15 appointments as Officer of the Order of Australia in the General Division, among a total of 737 Australians recognised as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2024. 

In addition to her work as an international leader in radiation protection and nuclear safety, Dr Hirth AO is also a mentor and advocate for women in nuclear and has a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of nuclear professionals.

‘It is a privilege to play a role in the development of the next generation of scientists and regulators as we work to maintain strong protections for the Australian people and our unique environment’, Dr Hirth reflected.

Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Ged Kearney MP welcomed this announcement.

‘I am delighted to see Dr Hirth AO receive this honour,’ Hon Kearney MP said.

‘Dr Hirth’s award is recognition not only of her experience and eminence in the fields of radiation and nuclear safety, but also of her calibre as a leader. Dr Hirth is as significantly regarded by the international scientific community as she is here in Australia, and I commend her dedication to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.’

About Dr Gillian Hirth AO
Dr Gillian Hirth AO was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA in March 2022.

Dr Hirth AO completed a PhD in environmental radiochemistry in 1999 and was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation before joining the Australian Defence Organisation. 

In 2010, Dr Hirth AO commenced working at ARPANSA, developing codes and standard, investigating radionuclide activity concentration ratios in wildlife and fulfilling a series of leadership roles including Head of the Radiation Health Services Branch (from 2016). 

Dr Hirth AO is the current Australian Representative to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) and was Chair of UNSCEAR for the 66th, 67th and 68th sessions (2019-2022). 

Dr Hirth AO is the current Australian representative on the Commission on Safety Standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 8th term (2024 to 2027), having first been appointed in 2020, and was the Australian representative on the IAEA's Emergency Preparedness and Response Safety Standards Committee from 2015 to 2017. Dr Hirth AO is member of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Main Commission for the term 2021-2025 and a member of the Board of Council of the International Union of Radioecology.

Review date

4 June 2024

Article publication date

6 May 2024

Summary

This study conducted  computer simulations comparing the specific absorption rate (SAR) of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RF-EME) at the male reproductive system from different mobile telecommunication frequencies. The study explored frequencies between 0.69 GHz and 4.9 GHz. The primary benefit of computing SAR instead of  considering incident power density (S_inc) is that it allows for more accurate comparison between exposures from electromagnetic fields of different frequencies. The study also performed calculations for exposure scenarios in three postures (standing, sitting and sleeping).

While maintaining an equal level of exposure across frequencies, the calculations showed that a higher frequency resulted in lower SAR at the reproductive system. Both a sitting and sleeping posture resulted in less exposure than a standing posture. When calculations were repeated for incident power densities at the exposure limits prescribed in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) guidelines the corresponding SAR values for each frequency band were highest at 2.2 GHz and decreased at higher or lower frequency bands. The same relationship between dose and posture was observed for exposures at the limit.

Link to

Absorption of 5G sub-6 GHz electromagnetic radiation from base station to male reproduction system

Published in

International Journal of Radiation Biology

ARPANSA commentary

There is a growing volume of longitudinal studies (e.g. Ramirez-Vazquez et al., 2023; Markussen et al., 2022; Iakovidis et al., 2022), including those published by ARPANSA (Bhatt et al., 2024),  showing that public exposures to RF-EME have remained largely the same throughout the introduction of new communication technologies despite an overwhelming increase in the total usage of wireless telecommunication infrastructure by the public. The conclusions of this study provide similar reassurance by indicating that exposures to higher frequency RF-EME, like those used in newer communication technologies, contribute less SAR than an equivalent exposure from a lower frequency band. 

The calculations at exposure limits in this study were performed according to exposure limit guidance prepared by the IEEE. These guidelines, while similar to those in the Australian standard RPS-S1, are slightly less restrictive. The Australian standard is based on guidelines by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which are considered international best practice. More information on these differences can be found in a previous radiation literature survey. Notably, the study demonstrated the suitability of using power density limits (termed reference levels) which are easier to quantify for complying with SAR limits (termed basic restrictions) which are more difficult to quantify.

4 June 2024

31 May 2024

A World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned systematic review finds that radio wave exposure from mobile phones does not affect learning, memory, attention span and other cognitive functions like coordination.

Co-led by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s (ARPANSA) Health Impact Assessment Assistant Director, Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, the review addresses a long-held community concern.  

‘One of the motivations for this research was to assess effects on the brain because mobile phones are usually held close to the head during calls,’ A/Prof Karipidis said.

‘One of the challenges of studying the effects of mobile phones on health is that it’s hard to separate radiation exposure from behavioural effects from social media and gaming on our cognition. 

‘Overall, this systematic review found that radio wave exposure from mobile phones does not affect cognition.’

The WHO systematic review was a collaboration between ARPANSA and Monash University. ARPANSA’s Dr Chris Brzozek and Dr Masoumeh Sanagou also contributed to the study. 

This review identified 3945 papers for consideration but only 5 studies were found to have appropriate methods and were included in the final analysis. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality research is needed to address all types of populations, radio wave exposures, and cognitive outcomes, particularly studies investigating environmental and occupational exposure in adults. 

The WHO commissioned a series of systematic reviews in 2019 to help them undertake an updated health risk assessment of radio wave exposure. These reviews will be used to help inform a new Environmental Health Criterion monograph on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). 

ARPANSA is supporting the systematic reviews and the development of the monograph.   

You can access this systematic review online at Environment International.  

31 May 2024

Australia joined with Kazakhstan to co-host last week’s International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) in Vienna.

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) CEO, Dr Gillian Hirth, says ICONS is the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) key event for sharing best practice across the global nuclear security community. 

‘The IAEA’s efforts in bringing together its member states every four years provides a crucial opportunity to discuss and exchange information on nuclear security,’ Dr Hirth said. 

At ICONS 2024, ARPANSA joined with the Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO) and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to host a session sharing insights into national collaborative approaches. 

Australia’s continued support and engagement with the Asia Pacific to strengthen regional nuclear safety and security, and aspirations for the global future of nuclear security were key topics of discussion.

Dr Hirth also participated in a panel discussion, moderated by ARPANSA’s Senior Regulatory Officer on Nuclear and Radiological Security, Julie Murray, on shaping the future of nuclear security from a gender equality perspective. 

‘Australia is a strong advocate for gender parity; an important topic that I have a deep commitment to nurturing,’ Dr Hirth said.  

‘It was a pleasure to be able to share insights and highlight female technical experts and leaders who are making vital contributions to nuclear security.’

‘It is fundamental that we continue our work in advancing opportunities for women, particularly in leadership, as they are recognised key drivers in shaping our nuclear security future.’

‘ARPANSA continues to work closely with its Australian Government counterparts and the IAEA to promote national and international best practice to support nuclear security in our region and more broadly,’ Dr Hirth said.

The event was also an opportunity to establish ongoing connections with international counterparts, including a new cooperation agreement with the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) from the Netherlands.

ICONS 2024 was held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna from 20 to 24 May 2024. 

21 May 2024

Airborne ultrasound exposure guidelines from 1984 are being revisited by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) due to their use in emerging technology. 

Airborne ultrasound is increasingly being used in virtual reality technology to create the experience of touch. Airborne ultrasound consists of inaudible sound waves that travel through air and are mostly produced in heavy industry, for example drilling, and in commercial products like burglar alarms. 

Extremely high levels of airborne ultrasound can cause ear damage, and excessive body heating that can lead to pain and burns. 

ICNIRP Vice-Chair elect and Health Impact Assessment Assistant Director at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, led the review and says the current guidelines are based on limited research and further studies are needed.

‘Based on the available research, the exposure limits set in the existing guidelines are still applicable today,' A/Prof Karipidis said.

‘However, when we assessed the evidence that has been published since 1984, we found there are significant data gaps that need to be addressed before ICNIRP can publish updated exposure guidelines.   

‘In particular, we'd like to know more about other health effects like effects on cognitive function and behaviour and non-specific symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.

‘This is particularly relevant given the expanded use of airborne ultrasound within the wider community. 

‘The effect of ultrasound on the human ear can vary according to age so it is also important for future research to determine the distribution of exposure levels where hearing damage can occur across the population.' 

As Australia’s primary radiation protection authority, ARPANSA works with leading international health authorities like ICNIRP to develop guidelines to protect the public and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. 

The full paper can be accessed here. 

Review date

May 2024

Article publication date

March 2024

Summary

This review report published on behalf of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) aims to inform health risk assessment of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). It included different study types (in vitro, animal, human and epidemiological) published in the year 2021 related to several EMF exposure types (static, low frequency or extremely low frequency, intermediate and radio frequency fields). A variety of outcomes (DNA damage, oxidate stress, animal behaviour, animal physiology, human cancer, reproduction, etc.) associated with EMF exposure were assessed. This report did not identify any new established causal relationships between EMF exposure and health risk. For example, epidemiological studies on static EMFs (e.g., from MRI) are limited and hence underlying mechanisms for rarely observed associations due to effect of static fields are unclear. The recent studies on extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure do not provide any evidence whether the consistently observed association between ELF and childhood leukaemia is causal or not. Similarly, no definite conclusions can be drawn from a recent study on intermediate EMF exposure and human health effects. Several new studies on brain tumours and mobile phone use largely continue to provide no indication of health risk.

Link to

2024: 05 Recent Research on EMF and Health Risk, Seventeenth report from SSM’s Scientific Council on Electromagnetic Fields, 2022

Published In

Swedish Radiation Safety Authority

ARPANSA commentary

The overall conclusion of the report is similar to the conclusions provided in the previous years’ reports from the SSM. The strength of this report is that it was reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of experts evaluating a range of EMF exposure types and health-related endpoints, reviewing various types of evidence. Therefore, it consolidates all emerging evidence generated in the year 2021 while presenting its review findings. 

The findings of the report are consistent with the health risk advice from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), and other national and international organisations. For example, the health advice of ARPANSA on ELF-MF and radiofrequency field exposure, and the health risk assessment of radiofrequency fields by the US Food and Drug Administration on RF-EMF and Cancer, are in line with the findings from the report. The World Health Organization is currently assessing available evidence on potential human health effects of radiofrequency field exposure, including that associated with mobile phone use. ARPANSA is supporting this process to inform evidence-based health risk assessment of EMF exposures.

9 May 2024

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 2018

As required by subsection 48(2) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 2018, the CEO of ARPANSA gives notice that she intends to make a decision under section 32 of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 regarding the following application for a facility licence:  

Application No A0346 by the Australian Submarine Agency to prepare a site for a prescribed radiation facility (namely a low level waste management and maintenance facility) to be known as the ‘Controlled Industrial Facility’ at the existing HMAS Stirling site, at Garden Island, Rockingham in Western Australia. 

ARPANSA regulates Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation and is responsible for regulation of relevant activities undertaken by the Australian Submarine Agency until a dedicated naval nuclear power safety regulator is established. 

An overview of this licence application is now available for public comment through our Consultation Hub. Submissions close at 11:59pm on 7 June 2024. 

Have your say by completing the online survey or visit the ARPANSA Consultation Hub for more information. 

2 May 2024

The Australian Government hosted an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) workshop on nuclear security and how it contributes to peaceful uses of nuclear and radiological technology in Melbourne last week.

The Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan (INSSP) workshop focused on strengthening nuclear and radiological security in the Asia Pacific.  

The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), with support from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), hosted this IAEA workshop which included 40 participants and presenters from 20 countries.  

ARPANSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Gillian Hirth, said the workshop identified actions required to ensure a nation’s nuclear and radiological security regime is effective and sustainable.

‘As the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety, we support international efforts to coordinate nuclear safety and security,’ Dr Hirth said.

‘It was a pleasure to welcome participants to tour our laboratories and learn more about ARPANSA’s role in protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.  

‘ARPANSA works closely with ASNO and the IAEA to promote national and international policies and practices that support nuclear and radiological security in our region and more broadly.’

ASNO Director General Dr Geoffrey Shaw said, strengthening nuclear security within Australia and the region is a core pillar of ASNO’s work. 

‘As the government agency responsible for implementing Australia’s nuclear and chemical non-proliferation treaty obligations, we work with multiple international partners to strengthen nuclear and radiological security culture in Australia, the Indo-Pacific region, and the globe.  And this has never been more important,’ Dr Shaw said. 

‘This week, alongside the IAEA, we were able to bring together people from 20 countries who graciously shared their diverse experiences and perspectives, current approaches, and strong commitment to nuclear security.  

'This means we are all in a better place to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that could impact nuclear security.  

'It means we are all better prepared for today and the future.’

The workshop is a key component of the IAEA nuclear security program, which supports global efforts for safe and responsible use of radiation. 

Australia will continue to work with the IAEA and its other member states to promote the safe use of radiation and align our activities and regulations with international best practice.