8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / General

CONSIDERATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR A RECOMMENDED STANDARD FOR OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO RADIOFREQUENCY AND MICROWAVE FIELDS

Bioeffects Seen

Richard F. Boggs, Zorach R. Glaser, Robert F. Cleveland, Joseph K. Kielman · 1978

Share:

NIOSH recognized RF radiation as an occupational health hazard requiring protective standards back in 1978.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

In 1978, NIOSH began developing the first comprehensive occupational safety standard for radiofrequency and microwave radiation exposure in American workplaces. The standard covered frequencies from 500 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz and was based on biological effects research, field studies at industrial facilities, and input from industry and labor groups. This represented the government's first systematic effort to protect workers from RF radiation health risks.

Why This Matters

This 1978 NIOSH initiative represents a pivotal moment in EMF health policy. The fact that federal health authorities recognized the need for worker protection standards nearly half a century ago underscores how long we've known about potential RF radiation risks. What's particularly striking is the comprehensive scope - covering everything from radio frequencies to microwave radiation across industrial, communication, and military facilities. The reality is that NIOSH was already documenting biological effects and conducting field studies that justified protective measures for workers exposed to these same frequencies we now carry in our pockets. While this standard focused on occupational exposure, the underlying science about RF radiation's biological effects applies regardless of whether you're a worker in a telecommunications facility or someone using a smartphone daily.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Richard F. Boggs, Zorach R. Glaser, Robert F. Cleveland, Joseph K. Kielman (1978). CONSIDERATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR A RECOMMENDED STANDARD FOR OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO RADIOFREQUENCY AND MICROWAVE FIELDS.
Show BibTeX
@article{considerations_and_criteria_for_a_recommended_standard_for_occupational_exposure_g4518,
  author = {Richard F. Boggs and Zorach R. Glaser and Robert F. Cleveland and Joseph K. Kielman},
  title = {CONSIDERATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR A RECOMMENDED STANDARD FOR OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO RADIOFREQUENCY AND MICROWAVE FIELDS},
  year = {1978},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The proposed standard covered radiofrequency and microwave fields between 500 kilohertz and 300 gigahertz, encompassing virtually all RF radiation sources used in industrial, communication, and military applications at the time.
NIOSH initiated the standard development to protect workers from RF and microwave radiation based on biological effects research, field studies, and documented health risks at industrial facilities where these radiations were routinely encountered.
NIOSH researchers visited industrial facilities, communication centers, and military installations where RF and microwave radiation exposure was common, gathering real-world data on worker exposure levels and potential health effects.
The criteria document and recommended standard was scheduled for completion by August 1979, representing about 15 months of comprehensive research, literature review, and stakeholder consultation on RF radiation health effects.
The recommendations were based on NIOSH's own research and field studies, extensive review of world literature, biological effects data, epidemiological studies, and input from industry, labor organizations, and academic experts.