CHPPM-EUROPE RADIATION PROTECTION DIVISION
Nonionizing Radiation Protection
Radiation Protection Division
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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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Radiation Protection Division
Outline
Ionizing vs. Nonionizing Radiation Biological Effects Typical Nonionizing Systems in DOD Control Measures
Radiation Protection Division
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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.
Radiation Protection Division
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Examples on Nonionizing Radiation Sources
GAMMA
Visible light ULTRA V VISIBLE Microwaves INFRARED MICROWAVE Radios TV Video Display Terminals AM RF Power lines Radiofrequency Diathermy (Physical Therapy) Lasers
Radiation Protection Division
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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
Radiation Protection Division
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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
Radiation Protection Division
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Control Measures
Any other nonionizing radiation concerns, call CPT Hart, CHPPM-EUR, 486-7038.
Radiation Protection Division
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Overexposure Procedures
See Attached sheets
Radiation Protection Division
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Summary
Ionizing vs. Nonionizing Radiation Biological Effects Typical Nonionizing Systems in DOD Control Measures
Radiation Protection Division
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Questions
Radiation Protection Division
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