RF Exposure and Assessment Standards
RF Exposure and Assessment Standards
RF Exposure and Assessment Standards
Motorola Solutions designs, builds and tests all its products according to international assessment standards (by measurements or numerical computations) to meet nationally and internationally recognized exposure standards (limits of exposure with large safety margins). These products include two-way radios, RFID, mobile computers and other portable communications products, as well as in-vehicle radios.
Most countries follow the RF exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) or the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These limits protect against potential adverse health effects by including substantial safety margins. Compliance with these standards provides a sound scientific basis for confidence in the safety of products using RF energy.
The exposure assessment standards for wireless portable devices used around the world have been established by the IEEE and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). These standards create strict methodological requirements for testing products for compliance with specific absorption rate (SAR) limits. For many regions, including the Americas and the European Union, testing is done for intended use of the products (e.g., use at the ear or in front of the face) and for body-worn products (e.g., in a holster on the waist).
Base Stations
Stationary or mobile equipment that transmits RF energy, such as base stations, antenna sites or wireless access points, are covered by exposure guidelines based on the same scientific knowledge as the limits applied to portable radio products. For exposure to antennas at a far distance, the limits are in terms of power density (milliwatts per square centimeter), instead of SAR for portable devices operated near the body. Generally, due to the height of antennas, stationary network equipment produces RF exposure levels for members of the public that are typically hundreds or even thousands of times below established exposure limits.
New Technologies
New technologies, products and services are being deployed that incorporate the use of RF energy. These include radio networks and devices for telemedicine, RF identification technology for logistics management, low-power access points to boost network availability in businesses, and LTE, Wi-Fi and WiMAX products. These technologies often use radio waves to operate and must meet the same or similar exposure guidelines as existing wireless products.
Compliance Testing
Motorola Solutions products are designed, manufactured and tested according to the international assessment standards to meet national and international requirements for compliance with the science-based exposure standards. Motorola Solutions products are tested in independently accredited testing labs in Motorola Solutions facilities in the U.S. and Malaysia or in Motorola Solutions-approved external accredited independent labs. This rigorous testing provides assurances that Motorola Solutions products are compliant with national regulations and international RF exposure standards before being placed on the market.
More Resources
RF and Wireless Health Research