Nonionizing Radiation Sources

Some nonionizing radiation sources and their effects on human exposure along with the precautions to be taken in their usage are summarized. 

Class I Output not more than 0.39 pW, no biological effects 

Class II Output not more than 1 mW, eye damage due to direct prolonged exposure 

Class III Output not more than 500 mW, skin damage on direct exposure 

Microwave radiation can damage tissues and organs, and also cause birth defects, testicular degeneration, partial or total sterility, cataracts, changes in immune and endocrine functions and behaviour abnormalities. Recommended limits are  

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Consider RF and MW as nonionizing radiation sources with insufficient energy to ionize atoms. The primary health effect of RF/MW energy comes as a result of heating. The absorption of RF/MW energy varies with frequency. MW radiation is absorbed near the skin, whereas RF... 

Nonionizing radiation sources (lasers, ultraviolet, infrared, etc.) Nuclear systems... 

Nonionizing radiation sources (laser, radar, ultraviolet and infrared light, microwave, electromagnetic interference, radio-frequency [RE] waves, and high-frequency equipment)... 

Yes No Is there known risk for nonionizing radiation sources ... 

We are constantly exposed to ionizing and nonionizing radiation from naturally occurring sources as well as radiation generated and managed by our society. The challenge is to understand and manage the risk and benefits of our individual exposure. 

C. Psychological Effects. Due to a lack of understanding of nonionizing radiation and RF radiation in particular, many individuals also have a fear of working near radiating sources and also erroneously suspect that certain physical ailments have been a result of RF exposure. Headaches, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and sunburn, etc. have frequently been blamed on perceived exposure to RF radiation. Most often these symptoms have actually resulted from dehydration, sleep deprivation, poor ventilation, and high temperature environments. 

Do you work with any of the following nonionizing radiation (NIR) sources ... 

The direct absorption of moderate to low frequency, nonionizing, electromagnetic radiation - microwaves - by DNA polymer molecules is a potential source of biological effects. As an introductory study of this question, we have evaluated the absorption of isolated homopolymer straight chains of poly dG-poly dC. For some absorption processes we have also investigated some effects of a surrounding aqueous medium. 

Sunlight and other sources of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation can affect foods. For example, it has been shown that sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and benzoic acid exhibit additive photogenotoxic effects on Escherichia coli, causing increased mutations upon exposure to sunlight. I76l Such effects potentially increase the toxic risks associated with food additives. 

Do you have sources of ionizing or nonionizing (lasers) radiation at your worksites ... 

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