The protection of the general public, patients, workers and the environment from artificially generated non-ionising radiation is the aim of the EEAE, and its relevant responsibilities in the field of non-ionising radiation are:
- Inspections and measurements of emitting devices and installations:
– low-frequency electric and magnetic fields as well as high-frequency electromagnetic fields in order to verify compliance with the safe exposure limits for the general public, as well as
– in the spectrum of artificially generated optical radiation.
- The recommendation of necessary measures, as appropriate, to protect the public from exposure to artificially generated non-ionising radiation.
- The review of radio transmission studies, environmental studies for onshore antenna installations, and the provision of its favourable opinion to the competent authorities for the licensing of antenna stations.
- The publication of model studies for various categories of antennas.
- The operation of the National Observatory for Electromagnetic Fields.
- The determination of the methodology for the relevant measurements, the specification of the details concerning the authorisation of teams from other bodies carrying out measurements, co-ordinating the measurement process and organising inter-laboratory comparative measurements.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners
By way of example, the non-ionising radiation emitting devices falling within the remit of the EEAE are, by spectral range, as follows:
High-frequency electromagnetic fields – Measurements
High-frequency electromagnetic fields are emitted by devices such as radio and television aerials, wireless communication masts, radar systems and microwave ovens.
Low-frequency electric and magnetic fields – Measurements
Electricity transmission and distribution lines, equipment at extra-high-voltage substations, high-voltage substations and distribution centres of all types within the electricity system, as well as domestic electrical appliances, are devices that generate extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields, which fall within the spectrum of non-ionising radiation.
Optical Radiation
The EEAE, within the scope of its remit, has carried out two research programmes to assess the situation in the country regarding the population’s exposure to artificially generated optical radiation from sources used in beauty treatments or are found in consumer products.
