International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) applications

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment uses a combination of strong static magnetic fields, and low and high frequency electromagnetic fields to provide an image of the scanned object. MRI devices for medical imaging are able to provide detailed images of different internal body structures within a relatively short timeframe. In comparison to alternative techniques such as X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation, and thus avoids the associated carcinogenic risk.

Mobile phones operate in the radiofrequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from several hundred MHz to several GHz, to enable wireless phone calls and data transfer, including communication through the internet. The exact frequency band used differs between technologies (GSM, UMTS, 4G, 5G, etc.) and between countries.

Wi-Fi is the term now commonly used to designate a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), which is used to exchange data between electronic devices and to wirelessly connect, for example, personal computers, tablets or smart-phones to each other and to the internet. The main wavebands used by Wi-Fi networks are in the high frequency (HF) range of the electromagnetic spectrum (several GHz). Wi-Fi network routers (or Wireless Access Points – WAPs) are often set up at homes and in public buildings such as airports and stations, hotels and restaurants, hospitals, schools, and offices, to provide Internet access to all devices connected to them wirelessly. Outdoor Wi-Fi nets are provided in cities around the world; in this case the coverage for a large area will require a number of wireless access points.

Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication (DECT) is primarily used for creating cordless phone systems. DECT phones are commonly used in the home and in the work environment. In recent years this technology has also been used for baby monitors and in remote controls for industrial applications. The DECT operate at frequencies of several MHz. Exposure from DECT devices can be considered as far field exposure in relation to the local base station and as near field exposure in relation to the portable phone or monitor. Usually DECT telephone users are less exposed to HF than mobile telephone users. This is because the distance between the base station and the portable device and hence the emitted power to transmit the signal is much smaller in DECT than in mobile telephony.