radio spectrum pollution

{{Short description|Deviation of radio waves beyond allocations}}

{{More citations needed|date=December 2009}}

File:Radio waves hazard symbol.svg

{{Pollution sidebar|Electromagnetic}}

Radio spectrum pollution is the straying of waves in the radio and electromagnetic spectrums outside their allocations that cause problems for some activities.{{cite web |url=http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/reception-problems/tips-for-radio-technicians |title=Tips for radio technicians |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522005345/http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/reception-problems/tips-for-radio-technicians |archive-date=22 May 2010 |website=Radio Spectrum Management |access-date=21 March 2014}} It is of particular concern to radio astronomers.

Radio spectrum pollution is mitigated by effective spectrum management. Within the United States, the Communications Act of 1934 grants authority for spectrum management to the President for all federal use (47 U.S.C. 305). The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) manages the spectrum for the Federal Government. Its rules are found in the "NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management". The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) manages and regulates all domestic non-federal spectrum use (47 U.S.C. 301).{{cite web |url=http://wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=rules_and_regulations |title=FCC: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau: Rules and Regulations |website=FCC: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau |date=December 2010 |access-date=21 March 2014}} Each country typically has its own spectrum regulatory organization. Internationally, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordinates spectrum policy.