PROPOSAL FOR REVISING THE CROATIAN REGULATIONS ON PROTECTION FROM ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

Abstract

Some parts of the Croatian Regulations on Protection from Electromagnetic Fields are considerably more restrictive than the Guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), Recommendation 1999/519/EC of the Council of the European Union and Directive 2004/40/EC of the European Parliament and Council. A general critique of the Croatian Regulations on Protection from Electromagnetic Fields is presented, together with comparison to similar legislation in other countries. The question is discussed whether some of the requirements of the Regulations are excessively restrictive. Calculations demonstrate that limit values have been set too low regarding the strength of electric fi elds for area of intensifi ed sensitivity and area of occupational exposure. It is suggested that the values that have been established by the Recommendation and Directive of the European Union should be used. The article does not dispute certain precautionary measures or the precautionary principle but points out that there is insuffi cient explanation for the strictness of the norms. A proposal is presented for amendments to the existing Regulations.