The Federal Government’s Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Program aims to promote health and safety and address misinformation about EME emissions. This Program provides the public with clear, reliable, and reputable information on new EME-based technologies like 5G, 6G and beyond, and advice on how to use this technology safely.
ARPANSA will support the Government’s EME Program by delivering on its own EME Program Action Plan 2025 - 2028, which will help provide evidence-based scientific advice on EME and health. ARPANSA will report performance against this Action Plan through its corporate reporting and website. The Plan includes the below initiatives.
Assess EME exposure in the community
ARPANSA will conduct studies to assess EME exposure from existing and new telecommunications technologies, like 5G. The studies will separately consider EME exposure levels in the home, in the workplace, and in the wider community. The aims of the studies will include, but are not limited to:
- What is the typical EME exposure in the everyday environment?
- How does EME exposure change across different microenvironments?
- How does EME exposure change over time?
ARPANSA will publish the results of these studies to inform the community on EME exposure levels.
Conduct research on EME and health
It is important to continue the research into EME and health to ensure that public health policies are based on the most up-to-date information as telecommunications and other technologies continue to develop.
ARPANSA will promote, co-ordinate, lead and support EME research. This research will focus on key research needs that underpin safety standards, and development of dosimetry research expertise which is a key gap in the Australian research sector. Our program will support gold standard research that considers the totality of science to ensure safety standards remain evidence-based and risk informed.
ARPANSA will also publish a new EME Research Agenda, following the publication of the WHO Environmental Health Criterion Monograph. The Research Agenda will make recommendations for specific areas of research where the body of knowledge can be expanded.
The EME Program of research will also be aimed at addressing areas of public concern that can benefit from additional evidence, with a particular focus on developing further risk communication expertise.
Engage with international health authorities
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) are leading the international effort to assess the health and environmental effects of EME exposure.
ARPANSA will continue to engage with the WHO, ICNIRP, other international bodies and experts to build new knowledge and contribute to research outcomes and international safety standards. Specific international engagement during 2025-2028 will include:
- Participation in the WHO health risk assessment of EME exposure, and WHO Collaborating Centre on RF EMF to help guide international policy and advice.
- Participation in the ICNIRP development of exposure guidelines and advice to ensure they are fit for implementation in Australia.
- Attendance at international workshops and conferences which present advances in EME research and protection policies.
Develop national EME safety standards
In order to protect people from harmful effects of EME exposure, ARPANSA maintains a safety standard, which sets the limits for exposure from all EME sources, including 5G and other telecommunications. During 2025-2028 ARPANSA will continue to:
- Review, revise and maintain the ARPANSA EME Safety Standard based on international best practice and will consult all stakeholders on changes to the EME safety standard.
- Support the development of national standards related to EME measurement and safety compliance to reflect a rapidly changing environment and align with international best practice.
Provide information on EME and health
ARPANSA will provide information to the community through a range of mediums that translates scientific content on EME and health for a general audience. This includes the provision of the Talk to a Scientist Program, which will continue to be reviewed to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.
ARPANSA will also focus on key principles for effective risk communication to ensure that the information provided remains high quality and evidence-based.
