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Section 4: Safety Guidelines and Warranty Information
4A: Safety 111
normal locations in atoms and molecules. It can permanently
damage biological tissues including DNA, the genetic material.
Ionization only occurs with very high levels of electromagnetic
energy such as X-rays and gamma rays. Often the term radiation
is used when discussing ionizing radiation (such as that
associated with nuclear power plants).
The energy levels associated with radiofrequency energy,
including both radio waves and microwaves, are not great
enough to cause the ionization of atoms and molecules.
Therefore, RF energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Other
types of non-ionizing radiation include visible light, infrared
radiation (heat) and other forms of electromagnetic radiation
with relatively low frequencies.
Large amounts of RF energy can heat tissue. This can damage
tissues and increase body temperatures. Two areas of the body,
the eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF heating
because there is relatively little blood flow in them to carry
away excess heat.
The amount of RF radiation routinely encountered by the
general public is too low to produce significant heating or
increased body temperature. Still, some people have questions
about the possible health effects of low levels of RF energy. It is
generally agreed that further research is needed to determine
what effects actually occur and whether they are dangerous to
people. In the meantime, standards-setting organizations and
government agencies are continuing to monitor the latest
scientific findings to determine whether changes in safety limits
are needed to protect human health.
FDA, EPA and other US government agencies responsible for
public health and safety have worked together and in
connection with WHO to monitor developments and identify
research needs related to RF biological effects.
5. What levels of RF energy are considered safe?
Various organizations and countries have developed standards
for exposure to radiofrequency energy. These standards
recommend safe levels of exposure for both the general public
and for workers. In the United States, the FCC has used safety
guidelines for RF environmental exposure since 1985.