Science and standards. RF-hazards and standards: an historical perspective.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics and Bioengineering
• Nonionizing Radiation Safety Standards

Background:

• Exploration of early bioengineering and biophysics efforts pre- and post-World War II.
• Examination of work conducted in the 1950s, including early hazard interest and Soviet research.
• Discussion of The Tri-Service area and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in safety standard development.

Observation:

• The development of biophysics and bioengineering, including nonionizing radiation, was rational.
• Western exposure standards were formulated using a biophysical approach.
• Continuous interest in athermal effects has been present since the 1930s.

Findings:

• No "industrial-military establishment" pressure was evident in Western standard formulation.
• Soviet work and approaches were monitored from the late 1950s.
• Historical accounts are based on personal experience and literature review, acknowledging potential limitations.

Implications:

• The biophysical approach is foundational in interdisciplinary biomedical and engineering sciences.
• Understanding historical development aids in current safety standard considerations for nonionizing radiation.
• Personal participation in the field provides unique insights into the evolution of biophysical and biomedical engineering sciences.