Bioelectromagnetics

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the interactions between electromagnetic (EM) fields and biological systems. The training focuses on the physical quantities involved in the coupling of EM fields with the human body, the dielectric properties of biological tissues, and the current international safety standards for public and occupational exposure.

The course explores the physical principles governing electromagnetic field coupling with the human body, specifically analyzing the electrical and dielectric properties of biological tissues as a function of frequency. The study covers a broad spectrum of biological effects—from low frequency to microwaves—investigating interaction mechanisms such as electric stimulation and thermal effects (heating) at the cellular and tissue levels. Furthermore, the course provides an extensive overview of international protection guidelines and safety standards, with a focus on ICNIRP and EU regulations. Students will examine typical electromagnetic sources in industrial and public environments, learning methodologies for exposure assessment, magnetic field intensity measurement, and the management of safety protocols in compliance with current legislative frameworks.

By the end of the course, students will gain a solid understanding of the interaction mechanisms and biological effects of electromagnetic fields on the human body. Additionally, participants will master the scientific and methodological principles used to derive exposure limits and safety thresholds within current international regulatory frameworks.

• ICNIRP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz). Health Physics 1998, 74, 494–522.
• ICNIRP Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Static Magnetic Fields. Health Physics 1994, 66, 100–106
• ICNIRP Guidance on Determining Compliance of Exposure to Pulsed Fields and Complex Non-Sinusoidal Waveforms below 100 KHz with ICNIRP Guidelines. Health Physics 2003, 84, 383–387
• ICNIRP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric and Magnetic Fields (1 Hz to 100 KHz). Health Physics 2010, 99, 818-836 10.1097/HP.0b013e3181f06c8
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)1 Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (100 KHz to 300 GHz): Health Physics 2020, 118, 483–524, doi:10.1097/HP.0000000000001210
• Andreuccetti, D.; Bini, M.; Checcucci, A.; Ignesti, A.; Millanta, L.; Olmi, R.; Rubino, N. Protezione Dai Campi Elettromagnetici Non Ionizzanti; IROE