Safety Checkpoints

With the advent of new applications such as more sophisticated airport security scanners, people will increasingly be exposed to millimeter-and submillimeter-wave radiation. While the question of whether non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation has any nonthermal biological effects remains subject to debate, the thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation are clearly evident. Based on studies performed predominantly at lower frequencies, safety limits have been set by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection [1]. Between 2 and 300 GHz, the safety limit in terms of power flux density is 1 mW/cm2. This safety limit is derived from the basic limits defined for a specific absorption rate (SAR) between 100 kHz and 10 GHz of 0.08 W/kg for a body overall and of 2 W/kg for a limb. These SAR values exhibit a safety factor of 50 with regard to previously proven thermal health effects.