Intermediate frequency (1 kHz–10 MHz)

With increasing frequency in the intermediate frequency range, the electric field and the magnetic field are considered as an associated electromagnetic field with an electric and a magnetic field component. The possible effects of an electromagnetic field change with increasing frequency. Hence, the effects of intermediate frequency fields consist of a combination of stimulating effects and thermal effects, with the stimulating effect caused by induced electric fields and currents (cf. chapter Low frequency (0.1 Hz–1 kHz)) turning more and more into thermal effects (cf. chapter Radio frequency (10 MHz–300 GHz)). In comparison to research on possible effects in the extremely low frequency and radiofrequency range, there has been little research done on the possible effects in the intermediate frequency range. The lack of recent and systematical studies makes an appropriate risk assessment unfeasible. Therefore, research on the effects of intermediate frequency fields is given a high priority (cf. WHO 2005, SCENIHR opinion 2009, p. 61-62 and SCENIHR opinion 2015, p. 220).