The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA) created the nonionizing radiation section to enforce Arizona Administrative Code Title 12 Chapter 1, Article 14 "The Control of Nonionizing Radiation". These rules address sources of radiofrequency radiation (RF) in the environment, occupational exposure concerns, as well as public exposure. ARRA regulates Class 3B and Class 4 lasers used in the medical, industrial and light show fields; Ultraviolet radiation in tanning facilities; Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR); RF radiation sources such as heat sealers and industrial ovens; and RF radiation in the industrial environment within a frequency range of 0.3 megahertz (MHz) to 100 Gigahertz (GHz); and communication sources through a registration/license program

In addition to our regulatory role, ARRA provides information to the public concerning RF and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) through distribution of US Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Communications Commission, and US Department of Energy documents. This web page has been created to aid in the dissemination of this information and to provide additional information through links to Internet addresses where Nonionizing Radiation information is available.

Notice to MRI Registrants
Training Notice to Cosmetic/Hair Removal Non Practitioners

Rule Changes -
Copies of both rule changes as written and adopted are also available for review in the Arizona Admininstrative Register www.azsos.gov, published by the Secretary of State. When the final rule editions are published by the Secretary of State they will be updated in the current rule on this page and at www.azsos.gov.
-Laser hair & cosmetic as written was adopted by the GRRC on February 1, 2005 and became effective April 1, 2005.
Rule Changes (laser hair and cosmetic procedures)
-Article 14 as written was adopted by the GRRG on December 7, 2004 and became effective February 7, 2005.
Rule Changes posted 4-28-2004 (Article 14)

Cellular Phone Towers – The emission of radiation from cellular phone base station antennas are regulated in Arizona under Arizona Administrative Code; Title 12, Chapter 1; Article 14 The Control of Nonionizing Radiation. ARRA does not regulate radiation from portable cellular phones (vehicle mounted or hand held). States and Local Governments are precluded from regulating antenna location siting by the Federal Communications Act of 2000.

Cellular phone antennas mounted on free standing towers etc., typically result in ground level radiation fields well below limits specified in Article 14. Based on current research findings, the Agency does not expect that any adverse health effects would result from exposure to radiation levels under these conditions.

Within a few feet from the actual antennas, radiation levels can exceed Article 14 limits. If an antenna were mounted on a freestanding tower, levels in excess of standards may be encountered by maintenance workers. It is suggested that roof-mounted antennas, which may be accessible to building maintenance workers or the general public, have some access restriction and/or conspicuously placed RF radiation warning signs. On average, one must be approximately 5 feet from the antennas before encountering radiation levels which could exceed Article 14 limits.

For more information on this topic, please visit the following Internet areas:

Cellular Phones and Pacemakers or Defibrillators

There are four major classes of lasers ranging from those that pose no known hazard to those that pose serious danger if used improperly. Generally the higher the class, the more powerful the laser. Depending on the strength of the laser, a variety of safety features such as safety locks, emission indicators, switches that automatically turn off the laser and the use of protective eye wear can be required. There are also requirements for laser warning labels and certification labels that laser complies with FDA safety requirements.

For more information on this topic please visit the following Internet areas:
FDA - Manufacturers and Users of Lasers for Refractive Surgery
"An Important Letter to Ophthalmologists about Lasers for Refractive Surgery"
Update on Eximer Lasers for Nearsightedness
FDA Clears First Laser for Treating Tooth Decay
Laser Institute of America "LIA" Laser Safety

In December, of 1997, after receiving reports about possible eye injuries, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about hand held laser pointers. Laser pointers are generally safe when used by adults, such as teachers and lecturers, to highlight areas of interest. However, it has come to the attention of ARRA that these products are being increasingly marketed as children’s toys. They are being sold in toy and novelty stores and can be purchased over the Internet. Many of them are low cost, operated with AAA batteries and produce a red or a green beam that can be easily seen hundreds of meters away yet are small enough to be carried in a pocket or on a key chain. One design is available where the laser pointer is co-housed with a pen. These devices are not toys and should be used only by children under adult supervision and they never should be shown into people’s eyes.

Laser pointers should be labeled with the class designation and a CAUTION label if they are class II (producing a beam power up to 1 milliwatt) or a DANGER label if they are Class IIIA (limited to a power of 5 milliwatts). Some pointers are now being imported without proper labeling which are more powerful and can pose an even greater hazard. In many cases, neither the laser user nor the people irradiated are aware of the potential risk of eye injury. If someone’s eye is momentarily hit by the laser beam his or her normal reaction will be to blink and this will preclude the chance of any eye injury. However, there have been some cases where children have deliberately stared onto the beam. Theoretically, retinal damage can occur from staring (without blinking) directly into a collimated Class IIIA laser beam for more than 10 seconds, and therefore, for obvious reasons, they should not be shown into peoples eyes. Also, the beams should never be viewed with an optical aid, such as binoculars or as magnifying glass as this could intensify their effect on the retina. Momentary exposure from laser pointers may cause temporary flash blindness, glare or the appearance of afterimages. While not dangerous to the eye itself, it may be dangerous to the exposed person if they are engaged in a vision critical such as driving, flying or operating machinery.

The Agency currently regulates tanning facilities and mercury vapor lamps, see AAC Title 12, Chapter 1 Article 14 "The Control of nonionizing Radiation".  

For more information on this topic, please visit the following sites:

UV NASA (NASA)