scope:

The scope of this recommended practice is to revise and develop specifications for preferred methods for measuring and computing external radio frequency electromagnetic fields to which persons may be exposed. In addition, the document will specify preferred methods for the measurement and computation of the resulting fields and currents that are induced in bodies of humans exposed to these fields over the frequency range of 100 kHz - 300 GHz.

Although the scope of ICES (formerly SCC28) includes potential hazards resulting from exposure of flammable volatile materials and explosive devices to EM radiation, this document is devoted exclusively to the measurement and calculation of human exposure to electromagnetic fields. This is because the necessary specifications and definitions pertaining to fuels and explosive devices are still being developed, and there are implications that the instrumentation requirements may be substantially different from those addressed here. Nevertheless, the measurement techniques and instruments described here are applicable to the measurement of fields in the vicinity of flammable materials and explosive devices, even though exposure standards for these situations have not been established.

Purpose

The purpose of this recommended practice is to specify techniques and instrumentation for the measurement and computation of potentially hazardous electromagnetic (EM) fields both in the near field and the far field of the electromagnetic source.(Footnote 1) In doing so, this document incorporates and extends the specifications previously set forth in IEEE Std C95.3(TM) - 1991 [B136].(Footnote 2) This recommended practice includes leakage and near-field measurements. Further, IEEE Std C95.1(TM) - 1991 and other contemporary standards and guidelines for personnel exposure include specific absorption rate (SAR) in biological tissues as a parameter to be determined. Accordingly, this document contains a description of the concepts, techniques, and instruments that can be applies to the measurement and computation of the SAR or the electric field strength in organisms (including humans) and phantoms exposed to electromagnetic fields. Below approximately 100 MHz, the current flowing through the body to ground is measurable and can be used to determine the SAR, and therefore, a brief treatment of the low-frequency body current measurement is also included.

This document is intended primarily for use by engineers, biophysicists, and other specialists who are familiar with basic electromagnetic (EM) field theory and practice, and the potential hazards associated with exposure to EM fields. It will probably be most useful to bioeffects researchers, instrument developers and manufacturers, those developing calibration systems and standards, and individuals involved in critical hazard assessments or surveys. Interested parties looking for a less technical document describing how to measure potentially hazardous fields may refer to NCRP Report 119 [B196]. However, the material in Clause 3, Clause 4, and Clause 5 of this document, which treats measurement problems, desirable instrument characteristics, and procedures for measuring external fields should be of value to anyone concerned with potential EM hazards.

Subcommittee I on Techniques, Procedures, Instrumentation, and Computation was originally organized on 7 April 1960, to establish specifications for techniques and instrumentation used in evaluating potential hazardous radio frequency (RF) radiation. In June 1985, the scope was clarified and the purpose was extended to establish specifications for techniques and instrumentation to be used in evaluating potential RF hazards to mankind from exposure to manmade sources of EM radiation or from exposure of volatile materials and explosive devices to such radiation. It is not intended to include infrared, visible, ultraviolet, or ionizing radiation.

Although the scope of SCC-28 includes potential hazards resulting from exposure of flammable volatile materials and explosive devices to EM radiation, this document is devoted exclusively to potential hazards to personnel. This is because the necessary specifications and definitions pertaining to fuels and explosive devices are still being developed, and there are implications that the instrumentation requirements may be substantially different from those addressed here. However, the measurement techniques and instruments described here are applicable to the measurement of fields in the vicinity of flammable materials and explosive devices, even though exposure standards for these situations have not been established.