A Study To Investigate Federal Regulation of Microwave Standards
Leonard David · 1980
The report identifies federal agencies that may regulate microwave exposure from the Satellite Power System and notes a trend toward stricter exposure standards.
Plain English Summary
The study outlines the historical background of U.S. microwave exposure guidelines and identifies the lead federal agencies. No federal standards exist to protect workers or the public, only a voluntary 10 mW/cm² guideline from 1966. Regulatory trends point toward more stringent occupational and public exposure limits, possibly as low as 1 mW/cm². The SPS system would deliver 23 mW/cm² at the rectenna center, 1 mW/cm² or less at the edge, and 0.1 mW/cm² at the buffer zone boundary. Current data show no morbid effects from 2,450-MHz radiation below 1 mW/cm², but long-term exposure studies are lacking.
Why This Matters
The report notes that EPA is developing federal guidance for the protection of the environment from electromagnetic radiation, with final guidance anticipated in fall 1981. A Senate bill proposes a Federal Council on Radiation Protection to coordinate agency authority, including reviewing the authority of any federal agency in regulating human radiation exposure standards. Public concern about microwave radiation is increasing due to media attention, and new public participation channels could affect SPS deployment.
Finding
There are no federal standards which exist protecting the worker and/or general public from potential hazards of microwave exposure. "Voluntary" guidelines of 10 mW/cm² are a recommended set of values established by the American National Standards Institute in 1966.
In their words
“There are no federal standards which exist protecting the worker and/or general public from potential hazards of microwave exposure. "Voluntary" guidelines of 10 mW/cm² are a recommended set of values established by the American National Standards Institute in 1966.”
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 0.4 W/kg
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Show BibTeX
@article{a_study_to_investigate_federal_regulation_of_microwave_standards_g5787,
author = {Leonard David},
title = {A Study To Investigate Federal Regulation of Microwave Standards},
year = {1980},
}