1. Cristina Bueti Advisor, ITU-T Study Group 5
An overview of ITU's activities on EMF  
Cristina Bueti
Advisor, ITU-T Study Group 5

2. The ICT revolution By end 2014, there will be:
~ 3 billion Internet users,
two-thirds of them coming from the developing world
the number of mobile-broadband subscriptions will reach 2.3 billion globally (5% of these subscriptions are expected to be in the developing world)
mobile-cellular subscriptions will reach almost 7 billion by end 2014
Election of Pope Benedict in 2005 and Election of Pope Francis in 2013.
By end 2014, there will be:
- ~ 3 billion Internet users,
two-thirds of them coming from the developing world
the number of mobile-broadband subscriptions will reach 2.3 billion globally. Fifty-five per cent of these subscriptions are expected to be in the developing world.
- Mobile-cellular subscriptions will reach almost 7 billion by end 2014
Source: ITU, The World in 2014: ICT Facts and Figures

3. The issue… The electromagnetic fields are unknown and
undetectable for people…
Lack of regulation and/or
non-compliance...
Lack of
communication and information to citizens…
It can generate a lack of trust, which may become fear…

4. Regulation of non-ionizing radiations
Exposure standards:
Specifications that limit the exposure of people to the Electromagnetic fields (EMF)
Emission standards:
Specifications that limit the emission of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from the devices

5. How can global standards help…
Facilitate compliance with international standards
Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders
Ensure transparency
Enhance communication with citizens

6. ITU-T Study Group 5 7 Questions WP1/5 Damage prevention and safety
Lead study group for: electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic effects
7 Questions
WP1/5
Damage prevention and safety
WP3/5
ICT and climate change
5 Questions
WP2/5
Electromagnetic fields: emission, immunity and human exposure
Q7/5 Human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) due to radio systems and mobile equipment
6 Questions 6

7. Question 7/5
Human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) due to radio systems and mobile equipment
Main study area:
Real site measurements and modeling of the multiple sources operating on different frequencies and transmitting antennas;
Determine the validity of electromagnetic field predictions;
Procedures and guidance on numerical modeling of EMFs in the areas around telecommunication transmitting antennas and various systems;
Guidance based on existing SAR measuring and calculating procedures, techniques and protocols for evaluating EMF due to ICT equipment;
Handbook to answer frequently questions about human exposure to EMF.

8. Question 7/5
Human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) due to radio systems and mobile equipment
Main tasks:
Develop Recommendations for the telecommunication sector;
Implement the mandate of the ITU Resolutions on EMF;
Collaboration with other standardization bodies (IEC, CENELEC, WHO) in order to avoid duplication of work;
Maintenance and enhancement of the existing Recommendations.

9. ITU-T SG5 Focus Group on Smart Sustainable Cities (FG–SSC)
FG-SSC includes „EMF Considerations in Smart Sustainable Cities„
The design and deployment of wireless networks must ensure electromagnetic field (EMF) compliance and minimize human exposure to radio frequency (RF) radiation
EMF considerations in Smart Sustainable Cities have to ensure the networks and connected devices operate safely and most efficiently 9

10. Typical EMF assessment
Safety
EMF compliance at sites
Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) for workers and public
Environmental
Radio signals in the community
Educational & informative

11. EMF assessment methods Calculations or measurements?
EMF assessment method depends on site & environment
Calculations - suitable in many cases, & have significant benefits - accurate, fast & cost effective
Measurements - required in very complex environments
Field monitoring
Field monitoring is effective when working on towers for safety
Field surveys can provide public reassurance
Continuous monitoring – limited long term benefit where EMF levels are low and stable
 ITU-T Recommendations - guidance on both calculation and measurements

12. ITU-T Recommendations for EMF assessment
ITU-T K.52 Guidance on complying with limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields
ITU-T K.61 Guidance on measurement and numerical prediction of electromagnetic fields for compliance with human exposure limits for telecommunication installations
ITU-T K.70 Mitigation techniques to limit human exposure to EMFs in the vicinity of radiocommunication stations – includes EMF Estimator software
ITU-T K.83 Monitoring of electromagnetic field levels
ITU-T K.91 Guidance for assessment, evaluation and monitoring of human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields
ITU-T K.100 Measurement of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to determine compliance with human exposure limits when a base station is put into service

13. Highlights on deliverables - continued
ITU-T K. 52 aims to help with compliance with safety limits for human exposure to EMFs;
Provides guidance on calculation method, and installation assessment procedure;
Is based on safety limits provided by ICNIRP;
Determines the likelihood of installation compliance based on accessibility criteria, antenna properties and emitter power;
 Recommends IEC Standard for the compliance
measurement of mobile handsets.

14. Highlights on deliverables - continued
ITU-T K. 61 helps telecommunication operators to verify compliance with exposure standards promulgated by local or national authorities;
Provides guidance on measurement methods that can be used to achieve a compliance assessment;
Provides guidance on the selection of numerical methods suitable for exposure prediction in various situations.

15. Highlights on deliverables - continued
ITU-T K. 70 defines techniques which may be used by telecommunication operators to evaluate the cumulative (total) exposure ratio in the vicinity of transmitting antennas and to identify the main source of radiation;
Provides guidance on mitigation methods which allow reduction of radiation level;
Provides guidance on procedures necessary in the environment (on site) in which, in most cases, there is a simultaneous exposure to multiple frequencies from many different sources;
 Includes a software provided that implements the
methodology: EMF estimator

16. Highlights on deliverables - continued
ITU-T K.83 provides guidance on how to make long-term measurements and monitoring of EMF in the selected areas that are under public concern, in order to show that EMFs are under control and under the limits;
​  Implementation of Recommendation ITU-T K.83 "Monitoring of electromagnetic field levels" in countries (e.g. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador and Uruguay).

17. Highlights on deliverables - continued
ITU-T K.91 provides guidance on how to assess and monitor human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) in areas with surrounding radio communication installations based on existing exposure and compliance standards, based on existing exposure and compliance standards in the frequency range of 9 kHz to 300 GHz;
 includes advantages and disadvantages of methods.

18. Highlights on deliverables - continued
Guide on electromagnetic fields and health (​Supplement 1 to Recommendation ITU-T K.91)
Answers to typical questions asked by the public on EMF, and to address typical misunderstandings on EMF matters in the society
Provides education and information: promoting EMF information and education resources suitable for all communities, stakeholders and governments.
Supports clarification of the science: referencing the WHO and other stakeholders providing information most useful in helping clarify scientific uncertainties e.g. in the areas of Radio Frequency technology, infrastructure implementation, usage, and consequential EMF exposure.

19. Highlights on deliverables - continued
ITU-T K.100 provides guidance on how to measure radio frequency electromagnetic fields in order to determine compliance with human exposure limits when a base station is put into service

20. Deliverables under study
ITU-T K.env - Guidance on the Environmental Management for Electromagnetic Radiation from Radiocommunication Base Stations
ITU-T K.maps - Maps of the RF EMF

21. EMF flyer and website

22. ITU-D Study Group 2
Question 7/2 - Strategies and policies concerning human exposure to electromagnetic fields
Q7/2 was agreed on at WTDC-14 for the study period.
Q7/2 is a continuation of ITU-D SG1 Q23/1 (Final deliverables online in all six languages at:
Topics to be studied under Question 7/2:
Compilation and analysis of envisaged or adopted regulatory policies on human exposure to electromagnetic fields authorizing the installation of radiocommunication sites and telecommunication systems over electric power lines;
Description of strategies or methods for raising awareness and informing people about the effects of electromagnetic fields caused by radio systems;
Preparation guidelines and best practices.

23. ITU-D Study Group 2 Expected outcomes: Report(s) and Guidelines
Providing information on regulatory policies concerning EMF.
Describing strategies for raising the awareness and sharing information about the possible effects of EMF and related country case studies.
Sharing country experiences related to the regulation and measurements of the EMF.
Providing information that may assist Member States in resolving common issues faced by different stakeholders, notably regulatory bodies when it comes to EMF.
Etc. (details will be shared in the work plan for the Question) *
First meeting of Q7/2 for the new study cycle:
During the ITU-D SG2 meeting in Geneva, September 2014
Details on how to participate are available here:

24. ITU-R Activities on human exposure to non-ionizing radiation
ITU-R Study Groups
Study Group Department
Study Group 1 (SG 1) - Spectrum management
Study Group 3 (SG 3) - Radiowave propagation
Study Group 4 (SG 4) - Satellite services
Study Group 5 (SG 5) - Terrestrial services
Study Group 6 (SG 6) - Broadcasting service
Study Group 7 (SG 7) - Science services
ITU-R Activities on human exposure to non-ionizing radiation

25. ITU-R Study Groups Spectrum management
Handbook on Spectrum monitoring – Edition 2011
Non-ionizing radiation measurements, § 5.6
Measurement procedures/techniques and instruments
Covers 9 kHz – 6 GHz range and above
Different types of signals and services
ICNIRP 1998: Reference levels for occupational and general public exposure to time-varying electric and magnetic fields

26. ITU-R Study Groups Broadcasting service Recommendation ITU-R BS.1698
Evaluating fields from terrestrial BC transmitting systems operating in any frequency band for assessing exposure to non-ionizing radiation.
Provides:
Considerations relating to field strengths and characteristics also in the near field and for the bands:
LF/MF bands ( kHz)
HF bands (3-30 MHz)
VHF/UHF bands (30 MHz-3 GHz)
SHF (3-30 GHz)
Closed solutions and numerical procedures for calculating exposure to non- ionizing radiation

27. ITU-R Study Groups Broadcasting service Recommendation ITU-R BS.1698
Evaluating fields from terrestrial BC transmitting systems operating in any frequency band for assessing exposure to non-ionizing radiation.
Provides:
Measurement techniques and required instrumentation for measuring EMF and exposure levels
Precautionary measures to be taken at transmitting stations and in their vicinity
Exposure limits and derived levels based on:
IEEE/ANSI (1992)
ICNIRP (April 1998)
NRPB (UK, 1993)

28. Purpose of ITU’s activities
EMF safety
Important to assess EMF compliance at sites
Important to establish Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) procedures
Environmental
Educational and informative
Calculation vs monitoring – a balance is needed
Effective public communication

29. Conclusions
Compliance with EMF exposure limits is a substantial factor in SSC
development
Good communication with public is a very important task
Efficient deployment of wireless infrastructure reduces the RF EMF
from networks and devices
ITU guidance may be helpful in smooth and safe implementation of
wireless systems 29

30. Thank you ITU-T/SG5 “Environment & Climate Change” itu.int/go/tsg5
ITU-T/SG5 Series K Recommendations (free of charge) itu.int/ITU-T/recommendations/index_sg.aspx?sg=5
ITU and EMF itu.int/go/emfs
Thank you