ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation)

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is an independent scientific organization that provides guidelines for safe exposure to non-ionizing radiation. It was founded in 1992 and is based in Munich, Germany. ICNIRP's mission is to provide scientifically based advice on the health effects of non-ionizing radiation exposure, and to develop guidelines for exposure limits to protect people and the environment.

Non-ionizing radiation refers to any form of electromagnetic radiation that does not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation. The potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation exposure are a matter of concern, and ICNIRP plays a key role in providing guidance on safe exposure limits.

ICNIRP is an independent organization with no commercial or political affiliations. It is comprised of a group of scientists from around the world who are experts in various fields related to non-ionizing radiation, including biology, physics, engineering, and epidemiology. Members are selected based on their expertise and scientific achievements, and serve in a voluntary capacity.

The organization is funded through donations from governments, non-governmental organizations, and industry. ICNIRP operates on a non-profit basis, and its guidelines and recommendations are based solely on scientific evidence and consensus.

ICNIRP's guidelines are developed through a rigorous process that involves a comprehensive review of scientific literature, consideration of expert opinions, and public consultation. The guidelines are regularly updated to reflect new research findings and scientific developments.

ICNIRP has developed guidelines for exposure limits for a range of non-ionizing radiation sources, including radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), which are emitted by wireless communication devices such as cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, and electromagnetic fields (EMF) from power lines and appliances.

For RF-EMF, ICNIRP's guidelines are based on the thermal effects of exposure, which means they are designed to protect against tissue heating. The guidelines recommend exposure limits that are below the levels at which thermal effects are known to occur. The limits are set at levels that are considered to be protective for all age groups, including children and pregnant women.

ICNIRP's guidelines for EMF are based on both thermal and non-thermal effects of exposure. Non-thermal effects refer to biological effects that occur at exposure levels below those that cause tissue heating. ICNIRP's guidelines for EMF take into account both the potential for tissue heating and the potential for non-thermal effects. The guidelines recommend exposure limits that are below the levels at which both thermal and non-thermal effects are known to occur.

ICNIRP's guidelines for exposure limits have been adopted by many countries around the world, and are used as a basis for setting national and international standards. They are also used by industry to ensure that their products meet safety requirements.

ICNIRP's guidelines have been subject to criticism from some quarters. Some groups argue that the guidelines are too lenient, and that they do not take into account the potential long-term health effects of non-ionizing radiation exposure. Others argue that the guidelines are too stringent, and that they are not based on a complete understanding of the potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation exposure.

Despite these criticisms, ICNIRP remains the leading authority on non-ionizing radiation exposure, and its guidelines are widely accepted and used around the world. The organization continues to monitor new scientific developments and to update its guidelines as needed, in order to provide the most up-to-date and scientifically sound advice on safe exposure limits for non-ionizing radiation.