Applications of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) in humans for non-medical purposes

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the use of ultrasound devices, lasers and other optical sources of radiation (e. g. Intense Pulsed Light, IPL) for cosmetic and other non-medical purposes, as well as a sharp rise in the use of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) on humans. Such sources include regular consumer devices as well as devices originally intended solely for medical applications. They are used, for instance, to reduce fat (lipolysis), to ‘tighten the skin’, to remove hair, and are also marketed as a means of improving brain, nerve and muscle activity.

The present recommendation includes an evaluation of conventional device types as well as applications of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (including static fields) in humans. A key assessment criterion is whether thresholds for biological effects, i. e. the respective field strengths and SAR values within a tissue above which biological effects are evident, are exceeded during application. Furthermore thresholds above which a health risk cannot be excluded are also important. In addition, this recommendation sets out the professional requirements for the use of such devices in humans.

The Commission’s assessment of the risks involved in EMF applications in humans for non-medical purposes was taken into account when the ‘Ordinance on protection against the harmful effects of non-ionising radiation in human applications‘ (NiSV 2018, Article 4) was drafted to provide a regulatory framework. This ordinance comes into effect at the end of 2020 and in parts at the end of 2021.

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