11.11.2009
1
GEISLAVARNIR RÍKISINS
ICELANDIC RADIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
Danish National Board of Health (Sundhedsstyrelsen)
Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Säteilyturvakeskus, STUK)
Icelandic Radiation Safety Authority (Geislavarnir Rikisins)
Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (Statens strålevern)
Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten)
EXPOSURE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO
RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
- A joint statement from the Nordic Radiation Safety Authorities -
This statement addresses the exposure of the general public to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted
continuously by fixed transmitters located in our surroundings. The joint statement regarding mobile
phones issued in 2004 is still valid (Mobile Telephony and Health – A common approach for the
Nordic competent authorities).
Introduction
The introduction of new sources of electromagnetic fields is fast in the Nordic countries due to
technological developments. Radio and TV transmitters have existed throughout the Nordic countries
for more than 70 and 50 years, respectively. The first generation (NMT) of mobile telecommunication
networks were introduced 30 years ago, the second generation (GSM) came 25 years ago and
third generation (UMTS) networks started around 2000 while the public safety radio network has
been (or soon will be) started up in the Nordic countries. In addition, cordless telephones have been
in use for more than 25 years and wireless networks are used in the home, offices and in public areas.
Wireless alarm and baby monitoring systems using radiofrequency signals are also common, as well
as wireless personal identification systems. Bluetooth technology has been adopted for use in many
pc applications such as the wireless mouse and keyboard, as well as in hands-free devices for mobile
phones.
The above are all examples of sources emitting electromagnetic fields in the radiofrequency range
from 10 MHz to 2.5 GHz. The exposure of the general public in the Nordic countries due to these
sources is well below the international recommendations given by International Commission on Non-
Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).