ALARA – as low as reasonably achievable
Precautionary exposure limitation is advised, as the science is not in full understanding of the health effects from electromagnetic fields. Following the principles of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) is internationally recognized by many experts, as a proper means to be on the safe side.
Risk matrix for EMF safety management
In order to take a risk-based approach in EMF safety management, the exposure levels and locations need to be quantified to calculate the level of risk. This can be done by Koppel 2022 matrix shown above, that incorporates the relevant risk level, expressed as a function of exposure multiplied by the priority level of the assessed location. The risk level ranges from “I” (very low) to “V” (high).
In assessing risks from EMFs all locations of human occupancy need to be assessed. Location categories are related to level of risk associated with the physical hazard and the willingness of the person in charge to address this risk.
Risk treatment
Risk levels “I” and “II” may be considered ACCEPTABLE where no further action is needed. Risk levels III-IV are TOLERABLE and risk mitigation action is suggested. Risk level V is INTOLERABLE and action is needed to reduce the risk.
| Risk level | Risk is | Risk treatment |
| I | acceptable | activities permitted |
| II | acceptable | activities permitted, but controlling advised |
| III | tolerable | activities permitted under restrictions |
| IV | tolerable | activities discretionary |
| V | intolerable | safety conditions not met, activities discontinued |
EMF risk treatment entails a range of options form three main categories: 1 – Personal and collective electrohygiene; 2 – Technical measures; 3 – Administrative measures. Table below provides an overview of risk treatment options for all the main approaches.
| Risk treatment category | Risk treatment means |
| Personal and collective electrohygiene | methods of doing things that entail less exposure to electromagnetic fields; the choice of equipment emitting less electromagnetic fields, taking account of the activities that need to be done; adequate personal protection equipment; Read more |
| Technical measures | the design and layout of places of activity and the EMF emitting objects; technical measures to reduce the emission of electromagnetic fields, including shielding or similar health protection mechanisms; Read more |
| Administrative measures | delimitation and access measures, such as labels, floor markings, barriers, in order to limit or control access, disallowe access, limit of time of being present at location or using equipment |
Precautionary exposure assessment guidelines for homes and workplaces
The following guidelines are based on Dr. Koppel’s research and the scientific body of literature. For those considering themselves electrosensitive, level “A” is advised. All others should be OK within level “B”. These are recommended precautionary levels and are not officially enforced nor recognized by any government body. Below table presents recommended exposure levels that should work for most people. Science is not in agreement – at what level EMFs become too much. At best, studies can point us to the levels where we start to see some effects for some people – this is the basis for the guidelines below. Therefore, these guidelines follow a conservative approach and are of precautionary nature – to be on the safe side and to avoid any possible effects.
E x p o s u r e l e v e l
| Field type | A | B | C | D | F |
| Power frequency electric field (V/m) | <5 | 5-12 | 13-50 | 51-200 | >200 |
| Power frequency magnetic field (nT) | <20 | 20-100 | 101-300 | 301-1000 | >1000 |
| Mobile phone frequency electromagnetic fields i.e. microwaves at 700-3000 MHz (μW/m²) | <10 | 10-60 | 61-200 | 201-5000 | >5000 |
Mobile phone frequency electromagnetic fields cover all sub-millimeter wave digital wireless communications devices.
Priority locations
Should all the locations of your home or workplace be subjected to the same requirements – of course not. In EMF safety one should foremost pay attention to places where people spend most of their time. Places where you stay for a short time or only pass through entail only a brief exposure and therefore are of secondary importance. Electromagnetic fields accompany modern technology, infrastructure and building’s technical systems. It would be technically impossible to achieve a low field level everywhere. Therefore, we need protection, where people stay most time.
| Location | Priority level (5-highest priority … 1-lowest priority) | Highest permissible field level | Comments |
| Beds | 5 | B | low levels needed for a full recovery and rest |
| Workplaces e.g. desks | 5 | B | low levels needed for concentration and productive work |
| Sofas, armchairs etc. | 5 | B | low levels needed for a social interaction and rest |
| Children’s play areas | 5 | B | low levels needed for the normal development |
| Bedrooms | 4 | C | other areas besides bed |
| Living rooms | 4 | C | other areas besides where people stay or sit |
| Dining tables | 4 | C | usually a short or a periodic stay |
| Outdoor leisure areas | 4 | C | |
| Work rooms | 3 | D | other areas besides workplaces |
| Kitchens | 3 | D | usually a periodic stay |
| Garages, workshops | 2 | D | usually an intermittent stay |
| bathrooms, WC | 2 | D | usually an intermittent stay |
| Short stay work stations | 2 | D | only for certain short term work tasks |
| Hallways, corridors | 2 | D | only for passing through |
| Vestibules, entrys, lobbys | 2 | D | only for passing through |
| Storage rooms | 1 | F | unoccupied place |
| Technical rooms | 1 | F | unoccupied place |
| Yards, parking areas | 1 | F | unoccupied place |
Priority level 4 places should aim at compliance with exposure levels B, but are fine with exposure level C.
Priority level 3 places should aim at compliance with exposure levels C, but are fine with exposure level D.
Priority level 2 places are fine with exposure level D.
Priority level 1 places are fine with exposure level F.
What they don’t tell you about the official safety limits
Official safety limits are limited in their protection coverage and are meant to avoid only certain health effects, mainly: excitation of nerves and muscles under low frequency exposure; excessive heating of body or tissues under radiofrequency exposure. Not all biological effects are meant to be covered by official safety limits, as some are not deemed relevant.
Official safety limits are based on short term effects. Short term effects kick in from within seconds (low frequency fields) or at most in half an hour (radiofrequency field). Chronic exposure of longer periods, such as days, months, years – is not considered and covered by the official safety limits. This is also stated in black and white in some European Union’s legislation, for example.