At the moment there are two European Prestandards, SC211A for Low-frequency EM radiation (ENV50166-1 , frequency range : 0-10kHz and SC211B, High-frequency EM radiation (ENV 50166-2, frequency range : 10Khz-300GHz) of Technical Committee CENELEC TC 211, Electromagnetic fields in the human environment.

Electromagnetic fields interact with the human body and other biological systems through a number of physical mechanisms. The published standards are based on well established short term effects, which, depending on the frequency, include stimulation of electrically excitable cells in nerve and muscle tissue and heating.

Basic restrictions are given to prevent any adverse consequences of these effects. They are specified in terms of biologically relevant quantities, typically induced current density and specific absorption rate. These quantities cannot be determined directly so the standards specify a set of more readily measurable reference levels, in terms of external electric and magnetic field strengths and power density, derived from the basic restrictions.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields may produce other effects, such as the auditory perception of microwave pulses, in addition to those associated with continuous wave radiation. For these, restrictions in terms of specific energy absorption and energy flux density are given. There are reports that electromagnetic fields of lower intensity than the reference levels specified in these standards may have a long term effect on health. Currently available research however has not established adverse effects and does not provide a basis for restricting exposure.