Have your say on ARPANSA’s new exposure standard for radio frequency EME.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has released a new standard for radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME) for public consultation.
Many of our everyday wireless devices use radio waves—also known as RF EME or EME—to function.
Our telecommunications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), requires manufacturers and operators of these devices to comply with the safety standard set by ARPANSA.
ARPANSA’s safety standard is based on international guidelines from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). ICNIRP reviews and updates its guidelines from time to time as scientific advances are made.
The new standard has been updated to align with ICNIRP’s latest guidelines, which were published in March 2020. In line with ICNIRP’s guidelines, the exposure limits set in the draft ARPANSA safety standard are similar to those in the 2002 standard, with some refinements. These refinements take into account current scientific knowledge of how radio waves work.
ARPANSA is inviting industry, regulators, government and members of the public to have their say on the new standard by 30 September 2020. To make a submission visit ARPANSA’s website.
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