What stations are subject to the FCC rules on RF exposure?

Recent changes to the FCC rules regarding RF exposure removed the categorical exemptions that amateur radio operators previously relied upon. In the past, amateurs were exempt from performing an RF exposure evaluation if they transmitted below specific power thresholds (often 50 watts) depending on the frequency band. Under the updated rules, every station transmitting with a time-averaged power of more than one milliwatt is subject to RF exposure regulations. This means virtually all amateur stations must now be evaluated to ensure they comply with safety limits, using methods like online calculators, modeling, or direct measurement.