ETS-Lindgren HI-3638 ELV/VLF Electric Field Meter User Manual

Page 30

Guidelines for EMF Exposure

www.ets-lindgren.com

Radio Frequency Exposure / Emission Standards
Pertinent to VDT Frequency Range

Many RF exposure standards are under development or revision. The
following table should be used only as an orientation to existing
standards.

Standard/

Reference

Frequency

(kHz)

E (V/m)

RMS

H (gauss)

RMS

ACGIH

0–0.1

0.1–4

4–30

25000

2500/f

625

—

0.6/f

—

IEEE C95.1-1991

3–100

614

2.05

IRPA

(gen. pop. 24 hr)

50/60 Hz

5000

1.0

Swedish
Guidelines

0.005–2

2–400

2.5

0.0025 (0.25µT)

0.00025 (0.25nT)

UK(1986)(occ)

750 Hz–50 kHz

2000

1.25

UK(1986)(public)

750 Hz–50 kHz

800

0.05

USSR(public)

(Slesin, 1985)

0.03–0.3

—

Frequency in kHz

Guidelines based on what was technically possible, not biological effects

This table summarizes the electromagnetic field exposure standards found in the
literature that either directly apply to the frequency range appropriate to VDT
emissions or pertain to a frequency range close to that of interest. As can be
seen, the primary difficulty in applying many RF exposure standards to VDT
emission levels is that the applicable frequency range of the standards does not
extend down low enough. From the literature searched, only one reference was
found that offered a quantitative emission limit as a guideline specific to VDTs
(Telecom, 1984). This Occupational Health Policy Guideline for screen-based
equipment was developed by Telecom Australia for internal use until such time
as there is a national standard for VDTs in Australia. The guide specifies that the
levels of radiation emitted from cathode-ray VDTs in the frequency range of
50 Hz to 0.3 MHz shall be as low as possible, and should not at any time exceed
an electric field strength of 50 V/m, measured 30 cm from the terminal.