Recently, the FCC took action in a wide-ranging series of proceedings designed to reassess its rules regarding the effect of radiofrequency (RF) emissions on human health and safety.

  • First, the FCC resolved an existing rulemaking proceeding that had been pending since 2003 by issuing a Report & Order (R&O) clarifying its RF limit evaluation procedures and elaborating on mitigation procedures. 
  • Second, the FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeking comment on a number of potential rule revisions that would (1) harmonize across services certain exemptions from routine RF evaluation; (2) elaborate on post-evaluation mitigation procedures; and (3) clarify RF calculation and measurement methodologies.
  • Third, the FCC issued a broad Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking comment on whether it is necessary to reassess its RF exposure limits and policies.

The FCC emphasized that neither the rules it adopted in the R&O nor those proposed in the FNRPM would change the existing RF exposure limits or have a practical effect on human exposure to RF radiation; but the NOI addresses the underlying question of appropriate proper exposure levels.   Comments are due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 150 days after publication.