An International Program for Microwave Exposure Protection (Short Papers)

In the developed countries there has been a remarkable increase in the number of processes and devices that utilize or emit microwaves. Such devices are used in all sectors of our society for military, industrial, telecommunications, medical, and consumer applications. Because of the world-wide implications of the rapidly developing technology and associated health-safety considerations, development and implementation of a program for international cooperation in the use and protective measures reIated to microwave/radiofrequency (MW/RF) exposure is required. Activity in this respect has been initiated by the Regional office for Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO/EURO) which has developed a sector program concerned with the health effects of nonionizing radiation (NIR) as part of its long-term program in environmental pollution control. To implement this program, several steps have been taken with participation by scientists and administrators from several countries. These activities have engendered plans and proposals for facilitating exchange and evaluation of information on the biologic and health effects of microwave radiation and in focusing attention on those areas in which additional information and new approaches are needed.