Dept.

of Electronics and
Electrical
Communications

Faculty of Engineering Cairo University

Environment assignment

Team ( 24 ):
Name Sec ID

‫محمود فريد سليمان عثمان‬ 3 9220789

‫محمود تامر علي علي‬ 3 9220774

‫يوسف سلطان محمود سيد‬ 4 9211405

‫محمود مصطفى فتحي مصطفى‬ 3 9211110

‫محب ميخائيل حشمت ميخائيل‬ 3 9220638
Question 3

What is the difference between the basic restrictions and reference levels as per the
guidelines of the ICNIRP?
The basic restrictions are based on scientifically approved effects of the EMW on us but it's not direct to
measure or to test so they made the reference levels that you should not exceed. These levels are based
on the basic restrictions but were made in a way to make it more testable. So now i should be away from
the reference levels to ensure that i don't exceed the basic restrictions.[1]

As an analogy, think of basic restrictions such as the baking temperature for cake recipe, which ensure
proper cooking without burning. Measuring the cake's internal temperature is difficult, so we use
reference levels like a timer, set based on safe temperature and baking time. Exceeding the timer doesn't
guarantee the cake is burnt, but warrants checking the internal temperature (basic restriction) for safety.
[1]

Question 7

What is the energy absorption mechanism of EMF ?

First which process can we call the “absorption mechanism”?

This is how EM (electromagnetic) waves deal with or interact with distinct bodies, which may be
biological creatures (like humans, animals, or plants) or not.

The mechanism can be different due to the distinct frequencies. We can notice thermal effects or non-
thermal effects. we can detect ionizing results or non-ionizing results. Briefly, the higher frequency
(lower λ) the wave has, the higher energy radiated from it. More energy means more effect, this is what
makes the X-rays or gamma rays have a big effect (ionizing waves). (lower λ means more thermal effect).

As an example, the “Microwave oven” uses the effect of thermal radiation to make the molecules of
water more energetic, and then all the body (food) temperature will also increase. This increase is
because of the moving molecules.

Let us go back to “ionizing waves”. Ionization is a process by which electrons are stripped from atoms
and molecules. simply, the nature of the material will be affected, As this can produce molecular changes
and lead to damage to biological tissues, including DNA or genetic material effects on the biological
creatures. As referred previously, X-rays and gamma rays are ionizing waves, A single quantum event can
cause damage due to the high energy content of the photon, which would be more than 10 eV,
considered to be the minimum photon energy capable of causing ionization.
Question 11

How is the EMF exposure related to cancer (Up to 100 kHz)? What are the linked cancer
types? Are the results confirmed?
According to the IEEE Standards which Based on a comprehensive analysis of 35 animal bioassay studies,
there's no evidence that suggests a direct link between the exposure of long-term RF (radiofrequency)
and Cancer. In fact ,even when exposed for a lifetime at levels up to 4 watts per kilogram! Some studies
does hint at effects that aren't supported by further research papers or failed in terms of verification
attempts. This may lead us to conclude that: RF exposure doesn't directly induce or promote malignant
tumors (cancer). Even for chronic, long-term, exposures at SARs between 0.5–4 W/kg, neither the
longevity nor body weight seems to be affected by it.

When it comes to low-level, non-thermal, RF exposure, numerous studies examined various cellular
interactions, including DNA damage and mutation, chromosome’s abnormalities, and other genetic
disturbances, most of them report: there is no significant effects. Observed effects are generally minimal
(negligible) and within the normal variability of standard clinical tests. [3]

Moreover, the epidemiological studies exploring RF exposures and human cancer also don't paint a quite
clear picture. While these studies aren't robust enough to confirm that there is a strong link, they also,
don't totally deny a potential hazard. They instead, suggest probably minor health implications. Finally,
this aligns with animal studies!

References

1. International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. "Guidelines for limiting

exposure to electromagnetic fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz)." Health physics 118.5 (2020): 483-524.
2. Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency
Electromagnetic Fields, OET BULLETIN 56 Fourth Edition, August 1999.
3. ⦁ IEEE Std C95.1-2005. "IEEE Standard for Safety Levels With Respect to Human Exposure."