Electromagnetic Radiation Producing Devices Program (includes Computer Monitors, EMF Research Devices, Communications Antennae, NMR Units, UV Light Sources, etc)

This program is designed to ensure that electromagnetic radiation emitted from devices located in or on University of Delaware facilities do not exposed members of the University community or the general public to levels that exceed those established by competent authorities (e.g. Federal Communications Commission, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, American National Standards Institute). The day to day operations of the program are managed by the University Radiation Safety Officer.

Devices covered under this program include computer monitors, transmitting communications antennae, nuclear magnetic resonance units, microwave digesters and furnaces, UV transilluminators, and most 60 Hz appliances. The Department of Occupational Health and Safety has the capability to calculate or measure the electric and or magnetic field for most of these devices.

Educational Resources:

General Information on Electromagnetic Radiation and Biological Effects

Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation (U.S. Department of Labor)

World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project

Questions and Answers: EMF in the Workplace (National Institutes of Health)

Biological Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

CDC Radiation Protection Services

Laboratory Safety Fact Sheet - Ultraviolet Radiation Hazards

Cellular and PCS Phones and Transmitting Sites

FDA Cell Phone Facts Consumer Information on Wireless Phones

Information on Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields from Cellular and PCS Radio Transmitters (Federal Communications Commission)

Consumer Update on Mobile Phones (US FDA- Center for Devices and Radiological Health)

Cell Phones and Cancer (USFDA- FDA Consumer Magazine)

Human Exposure to Radio Frequency and Microwave Radiation from Portable and Mobile Telephones and Other Wireless Communication Devices, September 2000 (COMAR Technical Information Statement)

Electrical Power Lines and Distribution Stations

Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields (National Institutes of Health)

Exposure from Power Lines (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)

Exposure to Cancer from Electrical Substations (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)

Questions regarding electromagnetic radiation safety issues may be addressed to William Fendt at WFendt@udel.edu or call 831-1434.