Exposure Limits [Backscatter}

The article “Exposure Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Most Successful Application of Electromagnetics in Biology and Medicine,” by James C. Lin (IEEE Microwave Magazine, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 45–46, June 2011) highlights the International Commission on Nonionizing Radiation Protection´s (ICNIRP´s) role in establishing limits for electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. The article provides useful information but does not tell the whole story regarding low-frequency exposure limits, specifically recognition of the work of the IEEE International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) (Standards Coordinating Committee 39). In 2004, in an attempt to protect workers in the European Union, draft Directive 2004/40/EC [1] required that workplace exposures meet the 1998 ICNIRP exposure values.