Published in cooperation with the WHO collaborating centre at the Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices, Environmental Health Directorate, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa,.

An expert, multi-authored review of hazards to health, in medical patients, occupational groups, and the general public, posed by the growing number of processes and devices that utilize or emit nonionizing radiation in industry, engineering, telecommunications, medicine, research, and the home. Now in its second edition, the book has been updated and extensively expanded, particularly in light of new data on radio-frequency radiation and electric and magnetic fields. Close to 1000 references to the literature are included. The book has six main chapters covering ultraviolet radiation, optical radiation and lasers, infrared radiation, radiofrequency radiation, electric and magnetic fields at extremely low frequencies, and ultrasound. Each chapter provides a thorough critical analysis of all available data on properties, uses, pathological effects, and hazards associated with overexposure. Details range from the consequences of a decreased thickness of the ozone layer to data on the use of extremely low frequency fields to heal bone fractures. Chapters, which were finalized after consultation with more than 300 experts, also attempt to establish appropriate exposure limits, based on a biological risk-benefit analysis, and issue advice concerning exposure levels, standards, and measures needed for protection, whether involving guidelines for therapeutic use in medicine or the types of safety equipment required for workers. The concluding chapter, which notes the need for regulation, offers advice on safety standards and procedures for regulation and enforcement.

DC.EURO

chi eng fre.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

ICP/CEH 005/m06

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