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Introduction to Radio Frequency Radiation Robert Curtis, USDOL/OSHA Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine March 2003
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Health Effects and Standards
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Frequency and Wavelength
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Electromagnetic Spectrum
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How RF Transfers
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Specific Absorption Rate Measure absorbed power in watts per kg of tissue Basis of most RF standards
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A Quick Review of RFMW Biological Effects (II) Immune (animals only) - T lymphocyte activity alteration @ 1.4 W/Kg Blood - no consistent results Cancer - No specific animal life span study seeking cancer has been done; epl' studies of radio hams, electrical workers, and physical therapists found excess cancer, but other studies have not found association
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A Quick Review of RFMW Biological Effects (III) Neurological (animals only) - Test of blood/brain barrier contradictory; unreplicated studies with AM & PM fields show brain metabolism changes @ >0.02 W/kg 200 & 591 MHz, but not @ 2450 MHz Mutations - Mutations not found in replicated studies to date
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A Quick Review of RFMW Biological Effects (III) (cont.) Reproduction - (animals only) Temporary make sterility @ 5.6 W/kg Testicular changes @ 15 W/kg Leutenizing hormone changes @ >2 W/kg Teratology (animals only) - Malformed offspring found @ 31 W/kg, strong thermal dependance (temp >41°C) Thermoscoustic - (Pulsed only)
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A Quick Review of RFMW Biological Effects (III) (cont.) Observed in radar operators in WWII as perceived clicking sound. Possible cause of neurological, central cholinergic, effects observed by James Lai @ 0.6 W/kg (0.45 W/kg NOEL, brain SAR #2 W/kg for effect)
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Basis of RF Standards Behavioral disruption threshold Limit temperature increase to 1 degrees C 1-4 W/kg SAR 10-fold safety factor
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Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) for Occupational (Controlled) Environment
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Same Basis, but Standards Differ General population vs. Controlled RF Sites Localized exposure limits (spatial averaging) Time averaging Special exclusions, such as low-power devices, peak exposures.
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Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) for Public (Uncontrolled) Environment
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Maximum Contact Current for Occupational (Controlled) Environment
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Maximum Contact Current for Public (Uncontrolled) Environment
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RF Exposure Standards are Typically Based on 6 min. TWA Excursions allowed if 6 min time weighted average is within limits Up to 30 min intervals used for public exposure standards
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Spatial Averaging ANSI standard is confusing regarding partial-body vs. non-uniform exposure. Exception for testes and eyes (See interpretation). OSHA standards, based on old ANSI, does not allow for spatial averaging.
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Microwave Measurement
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Antenna Equations Equation
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Microwave Applications
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Cassegrain Antenna
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Radio Frequency Measurement
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Radio-Frequency Measurements IEEE c95.1 - 1991 >300 MHz - E or H or S; spatial average 100 - 300 MHz - E & H; spatial average 3 kHz - 100 MHz - E & H; spatial average; including current; contact current
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FCC Limits for MPE Table Notes
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Spatial Average
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Single Roof-Top Antenna, various exposure locations.
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Single Tower, co-located antenna, on-tower exposure.
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Radio Frequency Applications Communication Transmitters Industrial Applications
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RF Safety Programs
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Elements of a Comprehensive RF Protection Program: Role of RF Measurements Full Text
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RF Protection Program Utilization of RF source equipment which meet applicable RF standards when new and during its lifetime. RF hazard identification and periodic surveillance by a competent person. Identification and Control of RF Hazard Areas. Implementation of controls and SOPs to reduce RF exposures to levels in compliance with applicable guidelines.
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RF Protection Program (cont.) RF safety and health training to ensure that all employees understand the RF hazards and control methods used. Employee involvement in the structure and operation of the S&H Program. Implementation of an appropriate medical surveillance program. Periodic (e.g. annual) reviews of the program to identify and resolve deficiencies.
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RF Protection Program (cont.) Assignment of responsibilities, including adequate authority and resources to implement and enforce the program.
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Notice
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Caution
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Warning
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RF Symbols RF energy advisory symbol and RF electric current hazard advisory symbol.
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Symbols (cont.)
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Summary of Contact Current
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