Amateur Radio is basically a safe activity. In recent years, however, there has been considerable discussion and concern about the possible hazards of electromagnetic radiation, including both RF energy and power-frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields.

In 1996, the FCC announced new rules governing exposure to transmitted radio frequency signals. The new rules set new limits on the amount of RF energy people can be exposed to. They also require that some stations be evaluated to see if they are in compliance with the rules.

• "The FCC's New RF-Exposure Regulations," by Ed Hare, W1RFI
  QST, January 1997, pp 47-50
  This article described the new rules, and the highlights of ARRL's petitions for change.
• "What's New About the FCC's New RF-Exposure Regulations," by Ed Hare, W1RFI
  QST, October 1997, pp 51-52
  ARRL tells hams about the rules changes and the availability of "Bulletin 65"
• "FCC RF-Exposure Regulations -- the Station Evaluation," by Ed Hare, W1RFI
  QST, January 1998, pp 50-55.
  This article describes Supplement B and tells hams how to use it to complete their station evaluations.
• RF Safety at Field Day QST June 1999, pp. 48-51
  A case study of Field Day with NSRC in a public park
• RF Exposure Regulations News
  FCC issues RF Safety Supplement B to OET Bulletin 65
• RF Exposure Station Evaluation and Exemption Worksheets
  RF Exposure and You, pp. 1.2-1.5
  Chapter 5 References needed for filling out worksheets
• Dayton 2002 RF Safety Forum

• FCC RF Exposure Regulations News Release (Report and Order 96-326), August 1, 1996.
  This is the FCC announcement for the new rules.
• FCC extends compliance transition period (FCC report).
  In response to a petition from the ARRL, the FCC extended the transition period and agreed that the required questions for the Amateur Radio examinations for some classes of license could be updated in their normal cycles.
• FCC RF Exposure Regulations First Memorandum Opinion and Order 96-487, December 23, 1996
  The FCC responds to several petitions for reconsideration and extends the transition period for the Amateur Radio and commercial services.
• FCC RF Exposure Regulations Second Memorandum Order and Opinion 97-303.
  The FCC responds to all the Petitions for Partial Reconsideration and announces new changes to the rule (FCC Second Memorandum and Order) and makes OET "Bulletin 65" available for download.
• FCC RF Exposure Regulations overview
• FCC Frequently Asked RF Exposure Questions
• FCC Radio Frequency Safety
  Cellular Telephone Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
• FCC Q & A about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

• RF Safety Information
  RF Safety is a big concern in the Wireless / Electronics Industry. This page is intended to help you understand the basic theory of RF Safety, check your designs for RF Safety, analyze and determine trade-offs for different RF Safety levels, and review existing standards and guidelines
• The ARRL Handbook's RF safety coverage as an PDF
• RF Safety Calculator
• PACEMAKERS
• American Cancer Society web page on Cellular Phones and RF Safety