Non-Ionizing Radiation Law, 2006
Updated: 30/07/2008
Publication of the Non-Ionizing Radiation Law in the official government gazette (Reshumot) on January 1, 2006 marked an important breakthrough in the regulation of radiation sources in Israel. The "framework law" aims to protect the public and the environment from the harmful impacts of exposure to non-ionizing radiation, including radiation from cellular base stations (antennas) and electricity network installations. It regulates the establishment and operation of non-ionizing radiation sources and the provision of radiation measurement services, inter alia, by determining prohibitions and obligations in accordance with the precautionary principle.More specifically, the law prohibits the construction and operation of a radiation source or the provision of a radiation service without the relevant permit from the Ministry of the Environment: construction permit, operation permit or service provision permit. It then stipulates conditions for granting each of these permits, including measures to limit human and environmental exposure to the anticipated radiation and measurements, both prior to and after the operation of the radiation source, by professionally trained and licensed service providers. In addition, the law sets prohibitions, requirements and instructions on inspection, enforcement, penalties and fees. Furthermore, the law relates to public notification concerning the status of radiation permits, location of radiation sources, assessments of exposure levels and results of radiation measurements. It also relates to potential compensation claims against cellular companies for reduced property values due to proximity to non-ionizing radiation sources. Finally, the law provides for the promulgation of regulations by the Minister of the Environment, at times in consultation with other ministers, on such matters as: criteria and procedures for granting permits; maximum permissible human exposure levels to non-ionizing radiation; cautionary and safety measures to prevent exposure risks to the public and the environment; radiation measurements during the operation of radiation sources; and safety distances from cellular base stations, including distances from sensitive sites, such as schools, hospitals, senior citizens homes and other institutions. The law came into force on January 1, 2007 and, in the case of electricity network installations which have been granted building permits or approvals by this date, in July 2008.
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