Assessment of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields from smart utility meters in GB; part II) numerical assessment of induced SAR within the human body

Abstract

Human body exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from smart meters was assessed using various exposure configurations. Specific energy absorption rate distributions were determined using three anatomically realistic human models. Each model was assigned with age- and frequency-dependent dielectric properties representing a collection of age groups. Generalized exposure conditions involving standing and sleeping postures were assessed for a home area network operating at 868 and 2,450 MHz. The smart meter antenna was fed with 1 W power input which is an overestimation of what real devices typically emit (15 mW max limit). The highest observed whole body specific energy absorption rate value was 1.87 mW kg , within the child model at a distance of 15 cm from a 2,450 MHz device. The higher values were attributed to differences in dimension and dielectric properties within the model. Specific absorption rate (SAR) values were also estimated based on power density levels derived from electric field strength measurements made at various distances from smart meter devices. All the calculated SAR values were found to be very small in comparison to International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection limits for public exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:200-216, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nonionizing Electromagnetic Irradiations; Biological Interactions, Human Safety

“…RF light is a broad wavelength spectral area of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation 1mm-100 km, categorized based on wavelength into two microwaves (1-1000 mm) and radio wave frequencies (1m-100 km) classes. RFFs have two main physical characteristics, including frequency ranges (Hz), radiation intensity (W/m 2 ), and specific absorption rate (SAR, W/kg) [ 47 ]. Although RFF energy is directly related to frequency levels, the intensity of radiation inversely influences RFF energy [ 48 ].…”

Spectral density constraints on wireless communication

“…Constraints on transmitted power and on the electrical and magnetic field strength due to transmission exist currently in documents prepared and published by several international standards organizations [1,2,3,4]. Some of these regulations are explicitly formulated for the purpose of avoiding possible harmful effects on health [5,6], and others are formulated as technical restrictions on the use of electromagnetic spectrum, for communication [7], without explicitly acknowledging the potential for harm to be caused.…”

Evaluation of Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields from Smart Utility Meters operating at 868 MHz

“…The first phase of the project involved power density measurements around smart meter devices under controlled laboratory conditions [Peyman et al, 2017]. The second phase involved calculation of the specific absorption rate from exposure to smart meters at 2.4 GHz and 868 MHz [Qureshi et al, 2017]. Finally, the third phase of the project assessed realistic exposure levels from on-site measurements in homes [Calderon et al, 2019].…”