ICNIRP Guidelines - Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (Up to 300 GHz)

Oct 3, 2026

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines establish exposure limits for time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz. The publication explains historical development through IRPA/INIRC and collaboration with WHO and UNEP, outlines the scientific basis drawn from health criteria documents, and clarifies terminology, purpose, scope, and the distinction between adverse and biological effects. It addresses both direct and indirect effects, discusses laboratory and epidemiological evidence, and specifies applicability to occupational and public exposure, while noting superseded guidance for other frequency ranges.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages38

Reading Time1 h 36 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON NON-IONIZING RADIATION PROTECTION ICNIRP GUIDELINES FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE TO TIME-VARYING ELECTRIC, MAGNETIC AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ( UP TO 300 GHZ) PUBLISHED IN: HEALTH PHYSICS 74 (4):494-522; 1998 Notes: Equation 11 was subsequently amended by the ICNIRP Commission in the 1999 reference book. The amended version is added here at the end of the document. In addition to the ICNIRP Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) published in: health physics 74 (4):494-522; 1998) this PDF contains two excerpts from: Guidelines on Limiting Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation. A reference book based on guidelines on limiting exposure to non-ionizing radiation and statements on special applications. Munich: International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection; 1999. ISBN 978-3-9804789-6-0: Use of the EMF Guidelines and Questions and Answers on the EMF Guidelines. GUIDELINES FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE TO TIME-VARYING ELECTRIC, MAGNETIC, AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (UP TO 300 GHz) International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection*† INTRODUCTION IN 1974, the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) formed a working group on non-ionizing radiation (NIR), which examined the problems arising in the field of protection against the various types of NIR. At the IRPA Congress in Paris in 1977, this working group became the International Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee (INIRC) . In cooperation with the Environmental Health Division of the World Health Organization (WHO), the IRPA/INIRC developed a number of health criteria documents on NIR as part of WHO’s Environmental Health Criteria Programme, sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) . Each document includes an overview of the physical characteristics, measurement and instrumentation, sources, and applications of NIR, a thorough review of the literature on biological effects, and an evaluation of the health risks of exposure to NIR. These health criteria have provided the scientific database for the subsequent development of exposure limits and codes of practice relating to NIR. * ICNIRP Secretariat, c/o Dipl.-Ing. Rdiger Matthes, Bundesamt fr Strahlenschutz, Institut fr Strahlenhygiene, Ingolstdter Land- strasse 1, D-85764 Oberschleissheim,† During the preparation of these Germany. guidelines, the composition of the Commission was as follows: A. Ahlbom (Sweden); U. Bergqvist (Sweden); J. H. Bernhardt, Chairman since May 1996 (Germany); J. P. Csarini (France); L. A. Court, until May 1996 (France); M. Grandolfo, Vice-Chairman until April 1996 (Italy); M. Hietanen, since May 1996 (Finland); A. F. McKinlay, Vice-Chairman since May 1996 (UK); M. H. Repacholi, Chairman until April 1996, Chairman emeritus since May 1996 (Australia); D. H. Sliney (USA); J. A. J. Stolwijk (USA); M. L. Swicord, until May 1996 (USA); L. D. Szabo (Hungary); M. Taki (Japan); T. S. Tenforde (USA); H. P. Jammet (Emeritus Member, deceased) (France); R. Matthes, Scientific Secretary (Germany) . During the preparation of this document, ICNIRP was supported by the following external experts: S. Allen (UK), J. Brix (Germany), S. Eggert (Germany), H. Garn (Austria), K. Jokela (Finland), H. Korniewicz (Poland), G.F. Mariutti (Italy), R. Saunders (UK), S. Tofani (Italy), P. Vecchia (Italy), E. Vogel (Germany) . Many valuable comments provided by additional international experts are gratefully acknowledged. (Manuscript received 2 October 1997; accepted 17 November 1997) 0017-9078/98/$3.00/0 Copyright © 1998 Health Physics Society At the Eighth International Congress of the IRPA (Montreal, 18–22 May 1992), a new, independent scientific organization—the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)—was established as a successor to the IRPA/INIRC. The functions of the Commission are to investigate the hazards that may

FAQs

What is the purpose of the ICNIRP EMF guidelines up to 300 GHz?

The guidelines aim to establish exposure limits for time-varying electromagnetic fields to provide protection against known adverse health effects.

What range of exposure is covered and what is excluded or referenced elsewhere?

The document covers the entire frequency range of time-varying EMF up to 300 GHz. It notes that separate IRPA/INIRC guidance for high-frequency and 50/60 Hz is superseded, and that static magnetic fields are covered in earlier ICNIRP 1994 guidelines.

How do the guidelines define adverse health effects versus biological effects?

An adverse health effect causes detectable impairment of health of the exposed person or offspring, while a biological effect may or may not result in an adverse health effect.

Oct 3, 2026

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