{
  "id": "glossary:reference-level",
  "collection": "glossary",
  "slug": "reference-level",
  "name": "Reference level vs basic restriction",
  "summary": "ICNIRP's two-tier structure: basic restrictions are the dosimetric limits that matter biologically; reference levels are the externally measurable proxies derived from them.",
  "status": "verified",
  "lastVerified": "2026-08-12",
  "data": {
    "definition": "A basic restriction limits an internal quantity such as SAR or induced electric field, which cannot be measured in a living person. A reference level limits an external quantity such as power density or magnetic flux density, and is derived conservatively so that compliance with it guarantees compliance with the basic restriction. Exceeding a reference level is therefore not automatically a breach of the basic restriction — it triggers a more detailed assessment.",
    "category": "regulation",
    "seeAlso": [
      "standards:icnirp-2020",
      "glossary:mpe"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "icnirp-2020",
      "title": "Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz)",
      "publisher": "International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection",
      "url": "https://www.icnirp.org/en/publications/article/rf-guidelines-2020.html",
      "year": 2020,
      "kind": "guideline",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-12"
    }
  ],
  "links": {
    "self": "https://emfbase.com/api/glossary/reference-level",
    "html": "https://emfbase.com/glossary/reference-level",
    "markdown": "https://emfbase.com/glossary/reference-level.md",
    "collection": "https://emfbase.com/api/glossary"
  }
}