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CHPPM-EUROPERADIATION PROTECTION

DIVISION

Nonionizing Radiation Protection

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REFERENCES

AR 40-5, Preventive Medicine AR 40-46, Control of Health Hazards from Lasers

and other High Intensity Optical Sources Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6055.11,

“Protection of DoD Personnel from Exposure to Electormagnetic Fields (EMF) at Radio Frequencies (RF) from 3 kHz to 300 GHz”

Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Laser Products

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Outline

Ionizing vs. Nonionizing Radiation Biological Effects Typical Nonionizing Systems in DOD Control Measures

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Ionizing vs Nonionizing Radiation

Ionizing Radiation– Higher energy electromagnetic waves (gamma)

or heavy particles (beta and alpha).– High enough energy to pull electron from orbit.

Nonionizing Radiation– Lower energy electromagnetic waves.– Not enough energy to pull electron from orbit,

but can excite the electron.

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Examples on Nonionizing Radiation Sources

Visible light Microwaves Radios Video Display Terminals Power lines Radiofrequency Diathermy (Physical Therapy) Lasers

MICROWAVE

GAMMA

ULTRA V

VISIBLE

INFRARED

TVAMRF

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Biological Effects

Radiofrequency Ranges (10 kHz to 300 GHz)– Effects only possible at ten times the permissible

exposure limit– Heating of the body– Cataracts– Developing fetus is at no greater risk than

mother

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Biological Effects

Lasers– Permanent Eye Injuries– Cataracts and temporary blinding– Skin damage

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Typical DoD Nonionizing Systems

Radiofrequency– Microwave communications– Electronic Warfare Devices– Radar

Laser– Laser Pointers– Target Designators– Range Finders

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Control Measures

Radiofrequency– Maximum 10 mW/cm2 Power Density (most

systems)– Controlled Areas– Inventory– Read Technical Manuals!!!– Hazard Criteria (TB 43-0133)– SOP– Surveys by CHPPM-EUR

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Control Measures

Laser– Classes 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4– Do not look into lasers.– Avoid reflective surfaces.– Medical SOP– Read Technical Manuals– Hazard Criteria (TB 43-0133)– Surveys by CHPPM-EUR

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Control Measures

Any other nonionizing radiation concerns, call CPT Hart, CHPPM-EUR, 486-7038.

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Overexposure Procedures

See Attached sheets

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Summary

Ionizing vs. Nonionizing Radiation Biological Effects Typical Nonionizing Systems in DOD Control Measures

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Questions