Radiofrequency Radiation & Microwaves

"Radiofrequency (or RF) Radiation" refers to electromagnetic fields with frequencies between 300 kHz and 300 MHz, while "Microwave (or MW) Radiation" covers fields from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. Since they have similar characteristics, RF and MW radiation are usually treated together. As well, the lower-frequency boundary of RF radiation is often extended to 10 kHz, or even to 3 kHz, in order to include emissions from commonly used devices.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The frequency of electromagnetic fields is measured in Hz (hertz), or cycles per second. 1 kHz (kilohertz) = 1000 cycles/second. 1MHz (megahertz) = 1 million cycles/second.  1 GHz (gigahertz) = 1000 million cycles/second.

RF radiation is produced by devices such as radio and TV transmitters, induction heaters, and dielectric heaters (also known as RF sealers). MW radiation is produced by microwave ovens, parabolic (dish) antennas, radar devices, and diathermy applicators. 

This guideline gives advice on preventing overexposure to RF / MW radiation in the workplace and sets out Occupational Exposure Limits. However, this guideline cannot cover all possible situations. The requirements set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act must be complied with, and they should be referred to when this guideline is used.

Health Hazards

The nature and the degree of the health effects of overexposure to RF / MW fields depend on the frequency and intensity of the fields, the duration of exposure, the distance from the source, any shielding that may be used, and other factors.

Main Effect

The main effect of exposure to RF / MW fields is heating of body tissues as energy from the fields is absorbed by the body. Prolonged exposure to strong RF / MW fields may increase the body temperature, producing symptoms similar to those of physical activity. In extreme cases, or when exposed to other sources of heat at the same time, the body's cooling system may be unable to cope with the heat load, leading to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Localized heating, or "hot spots," may lead to heat damage and burns to internal tissues. Hot spots can be caused by non-uniform fields, by reflection and refraction of RF / MW fields inside the body, or by the interaction of the fields with metallic implants, for example, cardiac pacemakers or aneurism clips. There is a higher risk of heat damage with organs which have poor temperature control, such as the lens of the eye and the testes.

Other Hazards

Other hazards include contact shocks and RF burns. These can result from the electric currents which flow between a conducting object and a person who comes into contact with it while they are exposed to RF fields. (These effects should not be confused with shocks from static electricity.)

Some laboratory studies have reported biological effects from RF / MW radiation at field levels which are too low to cause tissue heating. To date, these non-thermal effects are not known to result in health hazards. Although we are constantly exposed to weak RF fields from radio and television broadcasting, no health risks have been identified from this low-level exposure.

Recent reports suggesting a relationship between either cellular telephone or traffic radar use and cancer have not been substantiated.

Controlling RF / MW Radiation

Engineering Controls

• Sources of RF/MW radiation should be properly shielded to minimize stray radiation.
• Devices which can produce acute thermal injuries (e.g., industrial MW ovens) should have interlocked doors.
• Devices which produce high levels of stray RF radiation (e.g., induction heaters and dielectric heaters) should be operated remotely whenever possible.

Administrative Controls

• Exposure of workers to RF / MW Radiation should not exceed the recommended exposure limits.
• Areas where worker exposure to RF / MW Radiation is suspected to exceed the recommended limits should be surveyed to determine the exposure levels.
• Needless exposure to RF / MW fields should be avoided.
• Exposure times should be kept as short as reasonably possible.
• Potentially hazardous RF / MW devices should be appropriately labeled, and areas of excessive exposure around them clearly demarcated. Notices with warnings and the necessary precautions should be posted.
• Electrically-activated explosive devices should not be placed near sources of RF / MW radiation.
• RF / MW devices should not be used in flammable or explosive atmospheres.
• Equipment sensitive to RF / MW radiation, such as telephone switchboards or control panels, should not be installed near sources of RF / MW radiation.
• Maintenance of devices used to produce RF / MW radiation should be done by qualified personnel following standard safety procedures. The equipment should be turned off whenever possible.

Personal Protection

• When exposures cannot be reduced by the above methods, RF / MW protective suits, including head and eye protection, can be used. Suits should be tested to ensure that they reduce worker exposure to levels below the occupational exposure limits and that they do not pose any safety hazards (e.g., overheating, shocks, or fire).

Controlling RF Shock & Burns

• Metallic structures producing contact shocks should be electrically grounded and/or insulated.
• Insulating platforms or shoes (e.g., rubber-soled shoes) can be used to reduce energy absorption and currents to ground.
• When the above measures are ineffective or not reasonably possible, workers should wear insulating gloves.

First Aid

• Remove worker from exposure area to a cool environment and provide cool drinking water.
• Apply cold water or ice to burned areas.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Severe MW or RF overexposure may damage internal tissues without apparent skin injury, so a follow-up physical examination is advisable.