ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS DOSIMETRY

In the last three decades, the use of devices that emit radiofrequency (RF) 1 electromagnetic fields has increased dramatically. The proliferation of RF devices has been accompanied by increased concern about ensuring the safety of their use. Throughout the world many organizations, both government and non-government, have established RF safety standards or guidelines for exposure. Because of different criteria, the former USSR and some of the Eastern European countries have more stringent safety standards than most Western countries. Differences in the exposure limit values in electromagnetic field (EMF) standards between some Eastern European and those of Western countries are over two orders of magnitude. These differences have raised concerns about the lack of uniformity and have led to public concern and distrust about EMF exposures from the increased use of various EMF sources in the living and working environment. Thus, better methods are needed to properly measure, extrapolate or relate effects observed in animals to those expected to be found in people. The resulting data could lead to modification of existing safety standards or setting of new safety standards. Accurate dosimetry represents an essential element of the research in determining the biological effects of electromagnetic fields.