Health Canada Publishes Revised Human Exposure Limits for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Energy

Canada's limits among the most rigorous science-based limits in the world

OTTAWA, March 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Today Health Canada published its revised Safety Code 6. Safety Code 6 is Health Canada's guideline for recommended human exposure limits to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy, the kind of energy given off by various electronic devices such as cell phones and Wi-Fi, as well as broadcasting and cell phone towers.

Health Canada has updated Safety Code 6 based on the latest available scientific evidence, including improved modelling of the interaction of radiofrequency fields with the human body. The revised Safety Code takes into consideration recommendations from the Royal Society of Canada's Expert Panel on Safety Code 6, as well as the scientific and technical feedback received by Health Canada during the public consultation on the proposed guideline. The updated Safety Code includes slightly more restrictive reference levels in some frequency ranges to ensure even larger safety margins to protect all Canadians, including newborn infants and children.

Health Canada reminds all Canadians that their health has always been protected from radiofrequency electromagnetic energy by the exposure limits in Safety Code 6.  Safety Code 6 has always established human exposure limits that are far below the established, scientific threshold for potentially harmful health effects.  The limits in Safety Code 6 are based on established, scientific evidence, and provide protection against all known harmful health effects for all individuals.

Quick Facts

• Health Canada's updated Safety Code 6 makes Canada's limits among the most rigorous science-based limits in the world.
• The Safety Code 6 limits for human exposure to RF fields are designed to provide protection for all age groups, including infants and children, on a continuous (24 hours a day/seven days a week) basis.
• Safety Code 6 is reviewed on a regular basis to verify that it provides protection against all known potentially harmful health effects.

Associated Links
Understanding Safety Code 6
Busting Myths on Safety Code 6
Health Canada Consultation on the Revised Safety Code 6
Health Canada's Statement on the Royal Society of Canada's Expert Panel Report on Safety Code 6

SOURCE Health Canada

Health Canada, Media Relations, [phone]; Public Inquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709; Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media