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International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

About the ICNIRP

The International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is an independent body established in 1992, whose purpose is to inform the public and various stakeholders, and to advise them on the potential health hazards of exposure to non-ionizing radiation. The Commission's position is based on the professional evaluation of up-to-date scientific literature (including reports and hazard evaluations conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). One of the main tasks of the Commission is the publication of guidelines and recommendations regarding exposure of the general public and workers to non-ionizing radiation.  These guidelines have been adopted by many countries throughout the world.

The responsibilities of the ICNIRP cover the whole range of non-ionizing radiation, including optical radiation (ultraviolet, visible light, infrared) and lasers, static and time-dependent fields, electrical and magnetic fields, and radiofrequency radiation (including microwave).

 

Who are the members of ICNIRP?

The Commission is composed of independent scientific experts (a central committee of 14 members, a scientific expert group and a project group).  Members of the Commission are elected every 4 years at the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) congress. The Commission for the years 2011-2016 comprises members from the USA, Australia, Japan, the Philippines and six European countries (read more at: http://www.icnirp.de/commission.htm)

The Members of ICNIRP do not represent institutional bodies, nor their countries of origin, or even their professional institutes.  Moreover, they may not be employed by industry.  They have to declare any personal conflict of interest that could harm the ICNIRP's independence as an advisory body.  Membership in the ICNIRP is on a volunteer basis, and members are reimbursed only for expenses incurred when attending meetings or participating in the various ICNIRP activities.

 

How is the ICNIRP funded?

The ICNIRP is a non-profit organization, registered in Germany.  It receives an annual grant from the IRPA.  Additional support is received each year from governmental and international bodies.  According to the ICNIRP's annual report for 2012, it received funds from the German Environmental Protection Agency, the European Union, the WHO, the European BioElectromagnetics Association, and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.  Additional income comes from contracts with various organizations, such as the European Commission and WHO; organization of scientific meetings, and the sale of scientific publications.  As a principle, ICNIRP is not funded by industry.

 

Who does the ICNIRP consult?

In the process of elaborating and determining guidelines and publishing the various reports, ICNIRP consults international or leading national research and supervisory bodies.  Among these: WHO , the IRPA , the National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurements (USA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the International Commission on Illumination (IEC) , the International Electrotechnical Commission , and more.

Since 2009 the ICNIRP has set up a forum for public and professional discussion for elaborating guidelines, before granting them official authorization.

 

References

 

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