Physicians for Safe Technology | Conversion Chart, World Exposure Limits, Human Exposures EMR/EMF (2025)

Table of Contents
www.MDSafeTech.org Conversion Chart Microwave Radiofrequency (RF) Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) = (EMF) Levels of Concern and Exposure Limits Conversion Chart EMR = EMF Conversion Chart Volts per meter (V/m) to μW/cm2 Wireless Exposure Limits in Different Countries Cosmic EMR background we evolved from <0.00000000001μW/cm2 Comparison of International Policies on Electromagnetic Fields. National Institute for Public Health and Environment Netherlands 2013- New- here Poland Set Limits on 5G Millimeter Waves. 2020 BioInitiative Report Recommendation – ‘No Observable Effect’ with factor of 10 added for safety = 0.0003-0.0006 μW/cm2. http://www.bioinitiative.org/conclusions/ History of Development of Radiofrequency Standards from 1953. THE CHALLENGE OF NON-IONIZING RADIATION: A PROPOSAL FOR LEGISLATION . Karen Massey. Duke Law Journal. 1978. https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2692&context=dlj Austrian Medical Association (AMA) Exposure Limits Low-frequency Alternating Electric Fields SAR Radiofrequency Radiofrequency Radiation Limits Cornell Law School Information on SAR: What are the 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G frequencies? Exposure Limits Have Never Considered Long Term Exposure or Non-Thermal Bio-Effects Martin Pall, PhD. Discusses Development of ICNIRP Guidelines Based on Heat Environmental Health Trustalso has a list of Key Policy Issues related to Exposure Guidelineshere. Exposure Limits for Radio frequency Energy: Three Models Russian Radiation Research and Protective Standards for EMR Compendiums and Reviews on Radiofrequency Radiation BioInitiative Report 2007-2021. https://bioinitiative.org The Built Environment- Homes and Buildings Terrestrial Radiofrequency Levels: Natural versus Manmade Animal and Insect Studies on Exposure Duration and Power Limits Human Exposures Scientific References: Ambient, Children, Skin Ambient Environmental RF Exposures of Cell Towers, Wi Fi and Cell Phones Children’s Exposures to RF Skin and Body Absorption Occupational Exposures Occupational Exposures in Hospitals and Medical Clinics Shielding and Reducing Exposure to RFR

Updated 10/24/23

Scroll down for articles on human and occupational exposures

Physicians for Safe Technology | Conversion Chart, World Exposure Limits, Human Exposures EMR/EMF (1)

www.MDSafeTech.org

Conversion Chart Microwave Radiofrequency (RF) Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) = (EMF)

Our exposure to wireless radiation is steadily increasing.This radiofrequency (RF) radiation is currently classified as a Group 2B Possible Human Carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer at the WHO as of 2011. Many scientific experts who work in the field of EMR feel there is clear evidence of harm from long term, low level exposure to this artificial pulsating and penetrating non-ionizing radiation which warrants an upgrade to the IARC classification to a Group 1 Known Carcinogen (Hardell and Carlsberg 2018).

It is important to be able to read the scientific literature, however, it can be confusing as there are different units of power density measurements (μW/cm2, μW/m2, W/m2, V/M) for RF transmitters as well as Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measurements for portable wireless devices such as cell phones and tablets. In addition, harm from radio frequency exposure varies with power, distance, device, modulation (pulsations and wave design), polarization and length of exposure. Wall et aldemonstrated that with a weak reception cell phone signal radiation is magnitudes higher. The peak power and pulsation, rather than the averaged power, are the important features causing cellular and membrane injury. All types of EMF can have biological effects (Wireless RF, Electricity, magnetic fields). On this page we are focusing on radiofrequency fields from wireless devices. ELF and Magnetic fields, which can be measured, have also been classified by WHO as “possbly carcinogenic” in 2001. Dirty Electricity caused by high-frequency voltage transients can also be measured.

FCC Safety Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation (RF): Power Density vs SAR

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to evaluate the effect of emissions from FCC-regulated transmitters on the quality of the human environment. The FCC receives recommendations for human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields from organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). As noted in the FCC Radio Frequency webpage, these standards are essentially the same as those set in 1992 by the American National Standards Institute and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992), for frequencies above 1500 MHz. Despite increasing evidence of harm from this type of radiation to not only humans, but wildlife as well, the standards have not been updated to include non-thermal biological effects, vulnerable populations and non human species. This has been successfully challenged in court.

Radio and cell antenna transmission are measured by field strength and power density or power flow per unit area. Maximum Permissible Exposure limits for the transmitters operating at frequencies of 300 kHz to 100 GHz have been set and are in the conversion tables below. There is some variation with different frequencies and public versus occupational exposures. Exposures limits are set for an average time less than 30 minutes for the public and less than 6 minutes for occupational exposure. For portable or handheld wireless devices used in close proximity to the body the FCC uses a measurement called Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). SAR corresponds to the relative amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed in the head or body from the source being measured. The FCC limit for public exposure from cellular telephone operating below 6GHz is a SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg) as averaged over one gram of tissue. Above 6GHz power density is used. These safety guidelines are based only on the heating of tissues, not on complex biologically injury found at lower exposures. The FCC discussed health concerns here.

Different Countries Have Different Exposure Standards

It is important to keep in mind that the current thermal (heat) RF exposure standards vary in different countries. Thebiologically toxic(oxidative/membrane) RF exposure levels, shown to produce harm at non-thermal levels, are far below current U.S. RF guidelines (See BioInitiative Report). More lenient current U.S. FCC standards put large populations at risk for a diverse array of long term health issues. We list several exposure standards and limits along with the short conversion chart to enable easier reading of the scientific literature. The Austrian Medical Association Guidelines of 2016 are also posted below.Scientific references on exposure measurements are listed at the end (Ambient, Children, Skin and Body Exposures, Occupational)

Industry Standardization Worldwide?

Industry is trying to standardize all countries to allow higher levels of RF that are consistent with currentIEEE & ICNIRP guidelines (Same as US and Canada) which do not take into account non thermal biological effects, only heat. Here is a slide presentation that helps to understand industry strategy. If this moves forward countries who wish to use lower precautionary limits will be unable to do so.TIA-MWF PowerPoint for FCC Labs and OET Meeting

Russia set lower standard than the U.S. and have not raised them. It is interesting to find that Russian researchers looked at RFR exposures and immune dysfunction over 2 decades ago and because of these robust studies which were replicated in 2006-2009 they set their upper limit of RFR at 10 μW/cm2.

SAR Standards Need To Be Lowered

A 2021 article discusses health based standards and advises updating SAR standards for wireless devices to be 40 times lower than current standards. Development of health-based exposure limits for radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices using a benchmark dose approach. (2021)Uche UI & Naidenko’s OV. Environmental Health. 20, Articlenumber:84(2021). https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-021-00768-1

EMF / RF Exposure Guidelines. Safe Living Technologies has summary lists of precautionary guidelines from Building Biology Institute, International Exposure Limits, Austrian Medical Association Guidelines 2012, and EUROPAEM EMF Guidelines 2016. https://safelivingtechnologies.com/emf-exposure-rf-exposure-guidelines/

Telecom Discusses 5G

Here is a thorough discussion from the telecom industry, Preparing for 5G: Evolution of RF Compliance Standards and Regulations for Mobile Devices.

The History of Industry RF Standards

In an older yet thorough and honest review article, The Origins of U.S. Safety Standards for Microwave Radiation (1980), authors Steneck, Nicholas H., Harold J. Cook, Arthur J. Vander, and Gordon L. Kane analyze the scientific research and funding, as well as the political influences behind the 1996 RF standards. An important read to understand why the levels in the U.S. are so high. They highlight, from the beginning of radar, a communication gap between the technical military community and the public in order to reduce public anxiety. The authors point out the inadequacies and flaws of RF studies leading to an invalid standard after 7 years of committee work. There was no research on pulsed vs continuous radiation or non-thermal biological effects, and frequently research was not reproduced. With calls for more accurate research he asked, “Why was the standard set just when scientific research was beginning to reveal how much work remaining to be done?” Paul Brodeur, a critic of the standards policy, stated many people who were involved in setting the standard ” felt obliged to protect the 10mW level at all costs and to ignore, deny, or if worst came to worst, suppress any information about adverse effects of low-intensity microwave radiation,” due to the belief that any lower standard would interfere with national defense. There was much debate in the rush to adopt a standard in1966. The article notes that the Raytheon Company attempted to thwart military sponsorship on the Iowa cataract research. Colonel Knauf, at the Fourth Tri-Service Conference dedicated to microwave standard setting, commented that “the 10mW/cm2 guideline had been selected to please operations rather than to ensure safety. …Those who set the standard in 1966 still viewed microwaves as a military and industrial problem.” The Origins of U.S. Safety Standards for Microwave Radiation. Science. Vol 208, no. 4449: 1230–37. June 13, 1980. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1683969

The Lancet Publishes Article on Planetary RF Exposures in 2018

A December 2018 article on planetary radio frequency (RF) exposures was published in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet. Titled Planetary electromagnetic pollution: it is time to assess its impact, the authors discuss the flaws in current exposure guidelines, and show a graph indicating the changes in exposure levels of different frequencies over time. They call for this topic to be included with other critical issues related to planetary health, including climate change and rising levels of chemical toxins.

How to measure Radiofrequency (RF) fields

How to use the “Safe and Sound Pro II” RF meter to measure Radiofrequency Fields – In this video EMF Test Engineer Michael Neuert explains the difference between Peak, Max Peak and Average levels of radiation from wireless devices, cell phones, antennas and cell towers and how to use a meter to measure them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJ8x4CkUBM

How to Measure Magnetic Fields

Alpha UHS Gaussmeter Instructions: How to measure magnetic fields using the Alpha UHS Meter. EMF Test Engineer Michael Neuert explains how to measure magnetic fields from power lines, electrical wiring, electric panels and anything that runs on electricity, i.e. computers, TV’s, LED’s as electrical devices create a magnetic fields when they are turned on. Occasionally metal water pipes can carry stray electricity as well. He also explains how to separate magnetic fields from VLF emitted from electronic devices and LED’s.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wgggysXWQ0

To Print :Conversion Chart Microwave Electromagnetic Radiation PDF

See Also: Safe Living Technology EMF/RF/Magnetic Field full conversion chartshere

Scroll down for :*Worldwide Exposure Limits *Current Heat-Based Guidelines and *ScientificReferences on Measured Human and Children’s Exposures

Levels of Concern and Exposure Limits

Key to Chart: * ** *** and Current Limits in U.S.

* Low Concern– Building Biologists benchmark for long term exposure (0.00001W/cm2 )

** BioInitiative Limits-No observable effect on humans (0.0003-0.0006 μW/cm2) BioInitiative Report

*** Extreme Concern- Building Biologists benchmark for long term exposure (0.1 μW/cm2)Building Biologist EMR Exposure Guidelines are here

Current Limits in U.S. are inRedhighlightsand are up to1000μW/cm2=1mW/cm2=.001W/cm2 = 10,000,000 μW/m2 = 10,000 mW/m2 = 10W/m2 = 61.4 V/m= 64,100 mV/m

Conversion Chart EMR = EMF

Power equivalents— 1 μW/cm2 = 10,000 μW/m2 = 0.01 W/m2
Watts/Square Meter(W/m2)microWatts/Square Meter (μW/m2)microWatts/Square Centimeter (μW/cm2 )
0.000,000,000,000,1 W/m20.000,000,1 μW/m20.000,000,000,01 μW/cm2
0.000,000,000,001 W/m20.000,001 μW/m20.000,000,000,1 μW/cm2
0.000,000,000,01 W/m20.000,01 μW/m20.000,000,001 μW/cm2
0.000,000,000,1 W/m2 0.000,1 μW/m20.000,000,01 μW/cm2
0.000,000,001 W/m20.001 μW/m20.000,000,1 μW/cm2
0.000,000,01 W/m20.01 μW/m20.000,001 μW/cm2
0.000,000,1 W/m2 *0.1 μW/m2 *0.000,01 μW/cm2 *
0.000,001 W/m2 ** 1(3-6) μW/m2 ** 0.000,1 (0.0003-6) μW/cm2 **
0.000,01 W/m2(3-6)10 μW/m20.001 μW/cm2
0.000,1 W/m2100 μW/m20.01 μW/cm2
0.001 W/m2 ***1,000 μW/m2 ***0.1 μW/cm2 ***
0.01 W/m210,000 μW/m21 μW/cm2
0.1 W/m2100,000 μW/m210 μW/cm2
1 W/m21,000,000 μW/m2100 μW/cm2
10 W/m210,000,000 μW/m21,000 μW/cm2
100 W/m2100,000,000 μW/m210,000 μW/cm2
1000 W/m21,000,000,000 μW/m2100,000 μW/cm2

Conversion Chart Volts per meter (V/m) to μW/cm2

Using Acoustameter RF-10- Peak RF-EMR Emissions are in Volts/meter (V/m) which translates to power density in (µW/m²). Note Peak levels more important than average levels.

Volts per Meter (V/m) to milli Volts per meter (mV/m) to microWatts per meter squared (μW/m2) to microWatts per centimeter squared (μW/cm2)

  • 0.000,194 V/m = 0.194 mV/m = 0.000,1 μW/m2. = 0.000,000,01 μW/cm2
  • 0.000,614 V/m = 0.614 mV/m = 0.001 μW/m2. = 0.000,000,1 μW/cm2
  • 0.001,94 V/m = 1.94 mV/m = 0.01 μW/m2 = 0.000,001 μW/cm2
  • 0.006,14 V/m = 6.14 mV/m 0.1 μW/m2 = 0.000,01 μW/cm2 * Low concern
  • 0.019,4 V/m = 19.4 mV/m = 1 μW/m2 = 0.000,1 μW/cm2 ** Bioinitiative NOE
  • 0.061,4 V/m = 61.4 mV/m = 10 μW/m2 = 0.001 μW/cm2
  • 0.194 V/m = 194 mV/m = 100 μW/m2 = 0.01 μW/cm2
  • 0.614 V/m = 614 mV/m = 1000 μW/m2 = 0.1 μW/cm2 *** Extreme concern BB
  • 1.94 V/m = 1,942 mV/m = 10,000 μW/m2 = 1 μW/cm2
  • 6.14 V/m = 6,140 mV/m = 100,000 μW/m2 = 10 μW/cm2
  • 19.4 V/m = 19,416 mV/m = 1,000,000 μW/m2 = 100 μW/cm2 –Current U.S. guidelines
  • 61.4 V/m = 61,400 mV/m = 10,000,000 μW/m2 = 1,000 μW/cm2- Current guidelines
  • 194 V/m = 194,164 mV/m = 100,000,000 μW/m2 = 10,000 μW/cm2
  • 614 V/Mm= 614,003 mV/m = 1,000,000,000 μW/m2 = 100,000 μW/cm2
  • 1942 V/m = 1,941,648 mV/m = 10,000,000,000 μW/m2 = 1,000,000 μW/cm2

Note: Current FCC Guidelines

  • 19.4 V/m = 19,416 mV/m = 1,000,000 μW/m2 = 100 μW/cm2
  • 61.4 V/m = 61,400 mV/m = 10,000,000 μW/m2 = 1,000 μW/cm2

Note: Building Biologists Extreme Concern for Long Term Exposure

  • 0.614 V/m = 614 mV/m = 1000 μW/m2 = 0.1 μW/cm2

Note: Bioinitiative Limit for No Observable Effects

See Also
EMF Units Explained: V/m, milliGauss, µW/m² Etc. (Beginners) | emfcaution.comRadiation - Funktion, Aufgabe & KrankheitenUnits For Measuring EMF Radiation - With Interactive ConverterWhat is volt per meter (V/m) and how is it calculated?

  • 0.019,4 V/m = 19.4 mV/m = 3-6 μW/m2 = 0.0003-0.0006 μW/cm2

Building Biology Precautionary Guidelines (2015) for Sleeping Areas

Physicians for Safe Technology | Conversion Chart, World Exposure Limits, Human Exposures EMR/EMF (2)

Modern Homes Full of Microwave Radiation

This news video, from Safe Living Technologies, shows some of the sources of wireless radiation in the home. The measurements are done by a Building Biologist who acknowledges these levels are within the legal guidelines but not precautionary. Modern Homes Full of Microwave Radiation

Wireless Exposure Limits in Different Countries

The limits are for frequencies between 300Mhz-300GHz in microwatts/cm2

Limit guidelines in U.S. are from 200 uW/cm2 to 1000 uW/cm2 (2 W/m2 to 10 W/m2) for RF radiation depending on frequency. Countries developed different standards based on either *Thermal Effects *Non-Thermal Effects or *Precautionary Considerations. The values below are at 900MHz but vary with frequency and are as up to date as possible. EU standards have changed and there may be mandated lower limits.

Japan 600 microwatts/cm2

U.S.A. 450 microwatts/cm2

Canada** 450 microwatts/cm2

Australia 450 microwatts/cm2

Austria [450] microwatts/cm2

France 450 microwatts/cm2

Germany 450 microwatts/cm2

Hungary 450 microwatts/cm2

Ireland 450 microwatts/cm2

Luxembourg 450 microwatts/cm2

Portugal 450 microwatts/cm2

Spain 450 microwatts/cm2

India 45 microwatts/cm2

China 40 microwatts/cm2

Russia and 10 microwatts/cm2

Italy 10 microwatts/cm2

Bulgaria 10 microwatts/cm2

Poland 10 microwatts/cm2

Lichtenstein 10 microwatts/cm2

Switzerland ** and *** 10 microwatts/cm2

Belgium [2.4] microwatts/cm2

Ukraine ** 2.5 microwatts/cm2

Cosmic Background -Evolutionary <0.00000000001μW/cm2

Cosmic EMR background we evolved from <0.00000000001μW/cm2

Comparison of International Policies on Electromagnetic Fields. National Institute for Public Health and Environment Netherlands 2013- New- here

Poland Set Limits on 5G Millimeter Waves. 2020

[Protection of the population health from electromagnetic hazards – challenges resulting from the implementation of the 5G network planned in Poland]. Med Pr. 2020 Jan 20;71(1):105-113. Zmyslony. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793559/

BioInitiative Report Recommendation – ‘No Observable Effect’ with factor of 10 added for safety = 0.0003-0.0006 μW/cm2. http://www.bioinitiative.org/conclusions/

History of Development of Radiofrequency Standards from 1953. THE CHALLENGE OF NON-IONIZING RADIATION: A PROPOSAL FOR LEGISLATION . Karen Massey. Duke Law Journal. 1978. https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2692&context=dlj

EMF Info here

ICNIRP WHO Standards here

ICNIRP Perspective of Health Risks: Facts, Uncertainties, Public Perception and Need for Action here

ICNIRP Guidelines(1999) at 900 MHz are 450 microwatts/cm2 = 41V/M here

Canada Safety Code 6 here

LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO MICROWAVE RADIATION PROVOKES CANCER GROWTH: EVIDENCES FROM RADARS AND MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS. Kyrylenko et al. National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. 2013. https://exp-oncology.com.ua/article/1845/long-term-exposure-to-microwave-radiation-provokes-cancer-growth-evidences-from-radars-and-mobile-communication-systems

Liechtenstein Reduces RF Exposure Limits. 2014. Peter Sierk. http://www.emfrf.com/liechtenstein-reduces-rf-exposure-limits/

Hypercable Conversion Chart PDF https://www.hypercable.fr/images/stories/Conversion_Chart_dbm_v_m.pdf

See Also
Radiation: Electromagnetic fields

For a full list of EMR exposure guidelines go here

Austrian Medical Association (AMA) Exposure Limits

“In general, a wide variety of forms of EMF exposure (e.g. from cordless phones, wireless internet access, electrical installations and electrical devices in the building, mobile phone base stations, radio and TV transmitters, high-voltage lines or transformer stations) may be the root causes of health problems….Irrespective of the ICNIRP recommendations for acute effects, the following benchmarks apply to regular exposure of more than four hours per day…” AMA

TheEUROPEAM EMF GUIDELINES 2016for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses is based on the Austrian Medical Association Guidelines and gives an “overview of the current knowledge regarding EMF-related health risks and provides recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and accessibility measures of EHS to improve and restore individual health outcomes as well as for the development of strategies for prevention.” List of scientific references given. Here are their recommendations.

High-frequency electromagnetic radiation (as power flow density)

0.1 μW/cm2 (≥1000 μW/m2 ) (≥1 mW/m2)—Very far above normal
0.001 μW/cm2 to 0.1 μW/cm2 (10-1000 μW/m2) (0.01-1 mW/m2)- Far above normal

0.000,1 μW/cm2 to 0.001 μW/cm2 (1-10 μW/m2) (0.001-0.01 mW/m2)- Slightly above normal

Less than 0.000,1 μW/cm2 (≤1 μW/m2) (≤0.001 mW/m2) – Within normal limits

“The benchmarks listed are intended to be applied to individual types of radiation, e.g. GSM, UMTS, WiMAX, TETRA, radio, TV, DECT or WLAN, and refer to peak levels [not averaged levels]. The benchmarks do not apply to radar, which must be evaluated separately. Highly critical types of radiation, such as periodic signals (mobile telephony, DECT, WLAN, digital broadcasting…), should be critically evaluated, especially if levels are far above normal, while less critical types, such as non-pulsed or non-periodic signals (USW, shortwave, medium and long wave, analogue broadcasting), may be considered more leniently.” AMA- Here are theEUROPEAM EMF Guidelines 2016 EHS – PDFto print or download.

Low-frequency Alternating Electric Fields

≥10 V/m Very far above normal

1.5-10 V/m -Far above normal

0.3-1.5 V/m- Slightly above normal

≤0.3 V/m – Within normal limits

*The benchmarks (potential-free measurement) are intended to be applied to the range up to and around 50 Hz; higher frequencies and distinct harmonics should be more critically evaluated.

SAR Radiofrequency Radiofrequency Radiation Limits

SAR or Specific Absorption Rate is, according to the FCC, a value that corresponds to the relative amount of RF energy absorbed in a biological tissue in watts per kilogram. This value is used as a government standard for lower frequencies of radiofrequency radiation exposures for portable and mobile wireless devices.

For the general population the FCC public exposure limit for the cellular telephones to the head is a SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg) and averaged over 1 gram of tissue. The FCC limit for the hand is SAR of 4.0 W/kg and is measured at an average of 10g tissue. The FCC limit for general population/uncontrolled whole body exposure is0.08 W/kg, as averaged over the whole body. Note “Exposure may be averaged over a time period not to exceed 30 minutes to determine compliance with general population/uncontrolled SAR limits”

Occupational limits for whole body exposure is 0.4W/kg and spatial pen SAR of 8W/kg averaged over 1 gm of tissue. Spatial peak SAR limits forhands, wrists, feet and ankles shall not exceed 20 W/kg, as averaged over any 10 grams of tissue (defined as a tissue volume in the shape of a cube).

Distances from Devices such as personal computers/laptops listed on page 15 and page 73 in FCC EOET Bulletin 65. Occupational exposure limits listed on page 75.

Note: FCC– “The selection of the 20-cm value for differentiating between “portable” and “mobile”devices is based on the specification in the 1992 ANSI/IEEE standard that 20 cm should be theminimum separation distance where reliable field measurements to determine adherence toMPEs (maximum exposure limits) can be made.”

Note: FCC page 43- “The localized SAR criteria used by the FCC, and specified in the ANSI/IEEE 1992standard, only apply at operating frequencies between 100 kHz and 6 GHz.” Above these frequencies power densities are used.

Cornell Law School Information on SAR:

47 CFR § 1.1310 – Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits listedhere.

What are the 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G frequencies?

1G – Analog- Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) was commercially introduced in the 1980’s and operated with voice only at 800 MHz with a continuous wave signal.

2G – Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), are variants of 2G systems,introduced in 1990’s providing text messaging, multimedia messaging and internet access. These are pulsed signals and used in the first digital cell phones. Frequencies are a combination of 850 and 1900 or 900 and 1800 MHz.

3G – Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS)–Introduced in 1998 with broadband features providing data transfer, mobile internet and video calling. There are dozens of frequency bands available in the 800–900 MHz range and the 1700–2100 MHz range depending on the carrier.

4G – Long Term Evolution (LTE) –Was released in 2008 with higher frequency broadband supporting faster web access, gaming, video conferencing, and HD Mobile TV. These frequencies are in the 700 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz and the 2500–2690 MHz range.

5G- Device-to-Device Communication, Proposed for expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT). Uses wavelengths from 30 to 100 GHz and possibly up to 300 GHz.

  • 5G: 600 MHz = cm microwaves of 50cm≈20 inches (“MHz” = Megahertz)
  • 4G/5G: 700 MHz = cm microwaves of ~43cm≈17 inches (“cm” = centimeter)
  • 3G/4G: 800 MHz = cm microwaves of 37.5cm≈15 inches
  • 3G/4G: 900 MHz = cm microwaves of ~33.3cm≈13 inches
  • 3G/4G: 1800 MHz = cm microwaves of ~16.7cm≈6.6 inches
  • 3G/4G: 2100 MHz = cm microwaves of ~14.3cm≈5.6 inches
  • Wi-Fi: 2450 MHz = cm microwaves of ~12cm≈5 inches
  • 5G: 3100 MHz to 3550 MHz = ~9.7 to ~8.5cm≈3.8 to 3.3 inches
  • 5G: 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz = ~8.5cm to ~8.1cm≈3.3 to 3.2 inches
  • 5G: 3700 MHz to 4200 MHz = ~8.1cm to ~7cm≈3.2 to 2.8 inches
  • 5G: 4200 to 4900 MHz = ~7cm to ~6cm≈2.8 to 2.4 inches
  • Wi-Fi: 5800 MHz = ~5cm microwaves of ~2 inches (“mm” = millimeter)
  • 5G: 24,250 to 24,450 MHz = mm microwaves of ~12mm≈0.5 inch
  • 5G: 25,050 to 25,250 MHz = mm microwaves of ~12mm≈0.5 inch
  • 5G: 25,250 to 27,500 MHz = mm microwaves of ~11mm≈0.4 inch
  • 5G: 27,500 to 29,500 MHz = mm microwaves of ~10mm≈0.4 inch
  • 5G: 31,800 to 33,400 MHz = mm microwaves of ~9mm≈0.4 inch
  • 5G: 37,000 to 40,000 MHz = mm microwaves of ~8mm≈0.3 inch
  • 5G: 42,000 to 42,500 MHz = mm microwaves of ~7mm≈0.3 inch
  • 5G: 64,000 to 71,000 MHz = mm microwaves of ~5mm≈0.2 inch
  • 5G:71,000 to 76,000 MHz = mm microwaves of ~4mm≈0.2 inch
  • 5G: 81,000 to 86,000 MHz = mm microwaves of ~3.6mm≈0.1 inch

Exposure Limits Have Never Considered Long Term Exposure or Non-Thermal Bio-Effects

Here is a 1999 letter (posted on EHTrust.org),1999-radiofrequency-interagency-workgroup, from US Health and Human Services Radiofrequency Interagency Working Group to the Industry IEEE. It states, “There is a need to discuss and differentiate the criteria for guidelines for acute and chronic exposure conditions. The past approach of basing the exposure limits on acute effects data with an extrapolation to unlimited chronic exposure durations is problematic. There is an extensive data base on acute effects with animal data, human data (e.g. MRI information), and modeling to address thermal insult and associated adverse effects for acute exposure (e.g., less than one day). For lower level (“non-thermal”), chronic exposures, the effects of concern may be very different from those for acute exposure (e.g., epigenetic effects, tumor development, neurologic symptoms). It is possible that the IEEE RF radiation guidelines development process may conclude that the data for these chronic effects exist but are inconsistent, and therefore not useable for guideline development. If the chronic exposure data are not helpful in determining a recommended exposure level, then a separate rationale for extrapolating the results of acute exposure data may be needed. In either case (chronic effects data that are useful or not useful), a clear rationale needs to be developed to support the exposure guideline for chronic as well as acute exposure.”

Martin Pall, PhD. Discusses Development of ICNIRP Guidelines Based on Heat

5G: Great risk for EU, U.S. and International Health! Compelling Evidence for Eight Distinct Types of Great Harm Caused by Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposures and the Mechanism that Causes Them. (2018) Martin L. Pall, PhD. Discusses SCENIHR and ICNIRP (International Commission on Non Ionising Radiation Protection – ICNIRP, Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) Guidelines for RFR and robust scientific literature on adverse health effects which are both considered and not considered in their deliberations. https://einarflydal.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/pall-to-eu-on-5g-harm-march-2018.pdf

Environmental Health Trustalso has a list of Key Policy Issues related to Exposure Guidelineshere.

Physicians for Safe Technology | Conversion Chart, World Exposure Limits, Human Exposures EMR/EMF (3)Environmental Health Trust: 5G Research and Exposures

Exposure Limits for Radio frequency Energy: Three Models

Ken Foster, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

This article points out that different long term exposure limits in different countries are due to their different models of reasoning.

  • Heat:The U.S. uses science based studies but only those that examine heat based adverse effects. They do not take into account studies on non-thermal adverse effects.
  • Non-Thermal Effects: Russia and China use science based studies on non-thermal effects.
  • Precautionary: Switzerland, Italy and many other countries use precautionary language for their long term exposure limits

“Thus, Russian (and Eastern European) limits clearly reflect the conviction that long-term (hours or more) exposures at levels far below Western limits result in adverse health effects. Indeed, the Russian and Eastern European medical literature contains many reports of health effects from low-level exposure to RF energy. These include, for example, nonspecific problems (such as headaches, fatigability, irritability, sleep disorders, and dizziness) in workers in radio factories, who are exposed to RF energy at undetermined levels11 12. The Chinese literature contains similar reports.13 The Russian literature contains references to a “microwave disease” characterized by “asthenic, asthenovegetatic, and hypothalamic syndromes”14 The disease is not recognized in Western medicine, and its diagnostic criteria would undoubtedly strike many Western physicians as vague and nonfalsifiable. Even some Eastern European physicians have complained about the nonspecificity of these criteria as well.15 16″

http://www.who.int/peh-emf/meetings/day2Varna_Foster.pdf

Russian Radiation Research and Protective Standards for EMR

Russian National Committee of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection – 2008 report: “Mobile Communications and Children’s health.This sobering report discusses the need for exposure guidelines that protect children and the general population from chronic levels of radio frequency radiation. As noted the Russian limits are 100 times more restrictive than the U.S. , China, Canada and many other countries. Russian National Committee of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection – 2008 report. “Mobile Communication and Children`s Health”. Russia

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS FROM MOBILE PHONES: HEALTH EFFECT. RESOLUTION OF RUSSIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON NON- IONIZING RADIATION PROTECTION. April 2011, Moscow. Russian Committee on non-Ionizing radiatio 2011 report Children and Teens

http://www.who.int/peh-emf/project/mapnatreps/RUSSIA%20report%202008.pdf

Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and EMF RF standards. New conditions of EMF RF exposure and guarantee ofthe health to population. Prof. Yu. Grigoriev, Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Federal Medical Biophysical Centre, FMBA, Moscow, Russia.https://www.radiationresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/021235_grigoriev.pdf

Physicians for Safe Technology | Conversion Chart, World Exposure Limits, Human Exposures EMR/EMF (4)

International Public Symposium Recommendations to Reduce Harm From Wireless Technologies.https://kompetenzinitiative.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Statement_Mainz_4-6_Oct_2019_english.pdf

or at

Kompetenzinitiative.

See Also

  • PST Cell Tower Exposure Levels.Cell Tower Exposures and Health Effects
  • PST Cancer and Radiofrequency Radiation.Cancer and RF Radiation
  • PST Electrosensitivity Science.Electrosensitivity Science
  • Physicians for Safe Technology Home Page.https://mdsafetech.org

Compendiums and Reviews on Radiofrequency Radiation

The Built Environment- Homes and Buildings

Terrestrial Radiofrequency Levels: Natural versus Manmade

Animal and Insect Studies on Exposure Duration and Power Limits

Human Exposures Scientific References: Ambient, Children, Skin

Ambient Environmental RF Exposures of Cell Towers, Wi Fi and Cell Phones

  • Development of health-based exposure limits for radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices using a benchmark dose approach. (2021)Uche UI & Naidenko’s OV. Environmental Health. 20, Articlenumber:84(2021). https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-021-00768-1
  • Setting Guidelines for Electromagnetic Exposures and Research Needs. (2020)Barnes F et al. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020 Apr 20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32311139/
  • Human EMF Exposure in Wearable Networks for Internet of Battlefield Things. (2019) Nasim and Kim. IEEE Military Communications Conference 2019. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9020889
  • Real-world cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures. (2019) Wall S et al. Environ Res. 2019 Apr;171:581-592. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30448205
  • High ambient radiofrequency radiation in Stockholm city, Sweden. (2019) Carlberg M et al. Oncology Letters. December 3, 2018. Pages: 1777-1783. https://www.spandidos-publications.com/ol/17/2/1777“The total mean level was 5,494µW/m2 (median 3,346; range 36.6‑205,155). The major contributions were down links from LTE 800 (4G), GSM + UMTS 900 (3G), GSM 1800 (2G), UMTS 2100 (3G) and LTE 2600 (4G). Regarding different places, the highest RF radiation was measured at the Hay Market with a mean level of 10,728µW/m2 (median 8,578; range 335‑68,815). This is a square used for shopping, and both retailers and visitors may spend considerable time at this place. Also, the Sergel Plaza had high radiation with a mean of 7,768µW/m2. All measurements exceeded the target level of 30‑60µW/m2 based on non‑thermal (no heating) effects, according to the BioInitiative Report.”
  • Comparison of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure levels in different everyday microenvironments in an international context.Sagar S et al. Environment International, 114: 297-306. May 2018.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29529581/
  • Radiofrequency radiation from nearby base stations gives high levels in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden: A case report. (2018) Hardell L et al. Oncology Letters. March 16, 2018. https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ol.2018.8285 “The total mean RF radiation level was 3,811µW/m2 (range 15.2‑112,318µW/m2) for the measurement of the whole apartment, including balconies…. Due to the current high RF radiation, the apartment is not suitable for long‑term living, particularly for children who may be more sensitive than adults.”

Children’s Exposures to RF

Skin and Body Absorption

Occupational Exposures

The Center for Construction Research and Training in Maryland works to reduce or eliminate safety and health hazards that construction workers face on the job. They have compiled an abundance of useful information on the hazards for RF exposures as well as identifying RF exposures with different antenna. This is a great resource for information on cell antennae and FCC requirements.

Their Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation Awareness Guide for the Construction Industry is especially useful. https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/publications/RF_Radiation_Awareness_Program_Guide_8_2016.pdf

Occupational Exposures in Hospitals and Medical Clinics

Shielding and Reducing Exposure to RFR

Physicians for Safe Technology | Conversion Chart, World Exposure Limits, Human Exposures EMR/EMF (2025)
Top Articles
Kleines Einmaleins - Kostenlose Arbeitsblätter
Das kleine Einmaleins | Grundschule-KAPIERT
1x1 / Kleines Einmaleins
Latest Posts
Top 10 2024 Recruiting Class Rankings: Georgia, Alabama Lead the Way | College Football Network
Top 50 Bay Area high school football recruits: Commitments, predictions where non-committed will end up
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6406

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.