Where can I find reliable, up-to-date information?
Many technical and operative handbooks are
available but information for "non-specialists" is
insufficient and, too often, difficult to understand. For some easy reading material we recommend "Waves on the field", "Non Ionising Radiations"
(only Italian version)....no offence to others! From a practical point of view,
you can refer to ARPA, the Regional Agencies for Prevention and Environment. For example, on the Emilia-Romagna site you can also find maps showing the various sources in the area:
http://www.arpa.emr.it/rimini/,
http://www.arpa.emr.it/piacenza/). In particular,
it is their job to guarantee the observance of radiation exposure limits in residential areas.
What are the limits set by law? As far as industrial frequencies are concerned, the DPCM 8 luglio 2003 (Ministerial Decree issued on 8th July 2003) sets exposure limits at 100 microtesla for magnetic induction and 5kV/m for the electric field (considered as effective values). As a precaution, it is recommended not to exceed 10 microtesla (taken as average value over 24 hours in normal operational conditions) in all playgrounds, residential and/or school areas, and in all areas where people spend more than 4 hours daily. In addition, for new long distance power line planning, in all the above-mentioned areas and conditions, a 3 microtesla magnetic induction limit is set as a quality target. |