Reference level vs basic restriction
ICNIRP's two-tier structure: basic restrictions are the dosimetric limits that matter biologically; reference levels are the externally measurable proxies derived from them.
regulation
Last verified 12 August 2026.
- Category
- regulation
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.
Sources
- icnirp-2020 Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz) — International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, 2020. guideline, link checked 2026-08-12.
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