title: European regulations of the radio spectrum, ISM use and safety.
abstract: In Europe, many standards dealing with equipment electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are threatening the ISM use of the radio spectrum. The basis and the shortcomings of the standards are discussed and compared with the actual electromagnetic environment. The standards for equipment are too strict involving higher investment costs. High frequency and microwave power applications are therefore likely to slow down. Guidelines and standards for protection of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) are too conservative and have no reference to ISM applications. Only a leakage standard for the domestic microwave oven and similar equipment exist. Some recommendations are presented for improvement.
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Sint Pietersnieuwstraat 41, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Van Loock
mesh_terms: D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000592:standards*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000592:standards*; D005060:Europe; D033161:Government Regulation; D008872:Microwaves; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000592:standards; D011846:Radio Waves; D017751:Safety Management / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*