ICNIRP stands for International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP) is an independent non-profit organization that provides scientific advice and guidance on the health and environmental effects of non-ionizing radiation (NIR) to protect people and the environment from detrimental NIR exposure.
Non-ionizing radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough photon energy to ionize atoms or molecules, such as ultraviolet, light, infrared, and radio waves, and mechanical waves such as infra- and ultrasound. Non-ionizing radiation is used for various purposes, such as communication, medicine, industry, and entertainment, but it can also cause adverse effects on living organisms, such as tissue heating, photochemical reactions, and biological stimulation.
ICNIRP was established in 1992 as a successor of the International Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee (INIRC) of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA). ICNIRP consists of a main commission of 14 members, a scientific expert group of 40 members, and several consulting experts. ICNIRP members are elected based on their scientific expertise and integrity, and they work on a voluntary and unpaid basis. ICNIRP is funded by donations from various sources, such as governments, international organizations, and scientific institutions, but it does not accept any funding from industry or other sources that may have a conflict of interest.
ICNIRP’s main activities include:
• Reviewing the scientific literature and evaluating the evidence on the effects of NIR on health and the environment
• Developing and publishing guidelines and statements on limiting exposure to NIR for different frequency ranges, applications, and scenarios
• Providing information and education on NIR protection to the public, policy makers, and professionals
• Collaborating and cooperating with other international and national organizations and authorities on NIR protection issues
• Supporting and promoting research and development on NIR protection
ICNIRP’s publications are available on its website, and they cover topics such as radiofrequency, optical, and low-frequency electromagnetic fields, as well as ultrasound and static fields. ICNIRP’s guidelines and statements are based on the best available scientific evidence and the principles of radiation protection, and they are intended to provide a consistent and harmonized framework for NIR protection worldwide.