- Daniela Gutierrez-Torres
Introductory
Description
The effect of radio transmissions on health has been studied extensively, leading to international standards for network antennas and exposure limits for workers and the public. Despite the ever-growing body of scientific knowledge, many people continue to be concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their impact on health. This course looks at the state of the science, standards for mobile technologies, regulatory compliance and public awareness and education. This course will equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their potential impact on public health.
Target population
The training is addressed to regulators and policy makers of the telecommunications field.
Kindly note this course is restricted to users who meet the following criterial:
Entry requirements
None. Participants do not need prior knowledge to take this course.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Summarize public concerns and the accumulated knowledge about the health effects of EMFs, including 5G.
Describe internationally accepted safety requirements for radio transmissions.
Discuss the EMF assessments by calculation and measurement.
Respond to public safety concerns and increase awareness of the science.
Methodology
The course will include instructor-led presentations on both days (9:00-12:00 GMT), case studies’ discussion, exercises, tutor/participants discussion and submission of an essay on the second day of the course.
Assessment and grading
The training will be assessed with a final test consisting of the submission of an essay (500-700 words) with a pass grade of 80%. The essay could describe the radiofrequency (RF) EMF situation in your country, including information on the relevant EMF limits for workers and/or the public, where these exist; what are the major EMF topics of concern and any initiatives to address public concern. You could also discuss how you plan to use the information from the course in your country or expand on a particular topic in the course content. Please include relevant references to regulations (if applicable), scientific papers or websites in support of your essay.
Training details and instructional approach
Day 1
Session 1: Radio Signals — Sources and Health Research
What are electromagnetic fields (EMFs)?
Why are people concerned about possible health risks?
What do we know from existing research?
Reliable sources of information
Mobile network and mobile phone EMF levels
Day 1
Session 2: Human Exposure Limits for Radio Signals
International EMF exposure limits for workers and the public applicable to devices and network antennas
Assessment of compliance: for devices, for network antennas
Choosing measurement equipment
Reporting results and public communication
Day 2
Session 3: Application of EMF Risk Communication Techniques
Drivers of risk perception
The issue lifecycle
Ten principles for risk communication
Day 2
Session 4: Developing policy for RF-EMF
International policy recommendations
EMF policy good practice for mobile networks
Examples and case studies
Instructors
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
