FCC proposes changes to EMF exposure rules
Staff -- Test & Measurement World, 11/1/2003
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed changes to its regulations on human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). In the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FCC 03-132), the FCC proposals include:
- revising and harmonizing the criteria for determining whether transmitters used in a number of services are subject to routine evaluation for compliance with the RF exposure limits or are categorically excluded from such evaluations;
- clarifying the procedures for evaluating RF exposure from mobile and portable devices, including modular transmitters; and
- adding more specific definitions and compliance procedures relating to RF exposure of workers (occupational exposure).
The proposed changes do not include any modifications of the EMF exposure guidelines themselves. The Commission's current rules and procedures were adopted and implemented in 1996 and 1997.
The Commission invites comment on all of these proposals and issues related to them. For more information, go to www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety and ftp.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html.
