Non-ionising Radiation Risk

Dependent on the energy and exposure time, non-ionising radiation can cause localised heating, or photochemical reactions can occur with possible permanent harm. Exposure should therefore be minimised. Inappropriate or incorrect use and a wrong design increase the chances of physical harm. 

Specific risks 

Risks with ultraviolet light (UV) (100 – 400 nm) 
Ultraviolet light is emitted by hot light sources such as the sun, filament lamps, halogen lamps, sun beds, welding arcs (electrical welding) and gas discharge lamps (e.g. mercury lamps).
Excessive exposure mainly poses a risk for the eyes and skin. Acute effects are sunburn and cornea inflammation (welder’s flash). Long-term effects are skin cancer, skin thickening, premature aging of the skin and clouding vision (cataract). 

Risks for visible light and infrared light (IR) (0.4 - 1000 μm) 
During work at high temperatures infrared light is emitted, for example during welding, forging and glassblowing, or from heat lamps and plasma sources.
The biggest risks are for the eyes and skin. In the infrared area the IR-A area poses the biggest risk (retinal damage and ashen cataract). IR-B and IR-C are less dangerous but can also cause cornea damage after prolonged exposure. The eyes are also sensitive for excessive light. The greatest risk is in the 400-500 nm range ("blue light hazard"). Here the skin can be burnt. 

Risks with radio wave and microwave fields (10 MHz – 300 GHz) 
Sources of radio wave and microwave radiation are high-frequency generators (gyrotrons, klystrons etc.) and transmitters, microwave ovens, industrial RF heaters, radio and TV antennae, radar installations and mobile phones. Base stations for cordless phones are weak sources. 

Exposure 
Exposure to electromagnetic fields in this frequency range can warm up exposed tissues because these absorb the radio wave and microwave energy and convert these into heat. The frequency level determines the depth of penetration into the body.
Warming up by this radiation is the most dangerous for the brain, eyes, genitals, stomach, liver and kidneys. 
How deep the radiation penetrates depends on the frequency. If resonances occur in parts of the body then the damage can increase.
Worldwide the maximum acceptable radiation level varies from 10 mW/cm2 to 0.1 mW/cm2. FOM adheres to a maximum radiation level of 1 mW/cm2. 

Risks with low-frequency fields (300 Hz – 10 MHz) 
Up to 100 kHz only the induced current density and the internal electric field strength are important. For exposure to fields with a frequency greater than 100 kHz the specific energy absorbed is important. The energy is absorbed throughout the body but in differing degrees.
The threshold value for energy absorption, based on the induced current density and the specific absorption rate (SAR, W/kg), is 1 W/kg.

Risks for static fields and extremely low frequency (ELF) fields (0 – 300 Hz) 
In general static fields are natural fields such as the earth’s magnetic field and fields created by friction. 
Examples: fields develop in the direct vicinity of overhead high-voltage power lines and electrical cables, in industrial electrolysis processes and in superconducting and conventional magnets (magnetic fields).

Exposure 
No biological consequences of static fields have been observed. The most significant risk is electrical shock if an object is touched. 
Static magnetic fields cause slight electrical potential differences in blood vessels. The consequences of these are unknown. 
Low-frequency variable fields generate electric currents in the body of the same size as the body generates itself and these can directly activate nerves and muscles. No lasting detrimental effects are known. 

Short-term risks

• Artificial parts or aids for the human body such as pacemakers and ferromagnetic implants (limit value 0.5 mT) can be affected. 
• Magnetic strips from bank passes, credit cards and computer diskettes (at > 1 mT) can be wiped. 
• At flux densities > 3 mT metal parts can be attracted to the magnetic field.

Long-term risks
A lot of research has been done on this. The general picture is that there is no or a very weak relationship between health and ELF. 

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