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21 March 2010

Answer to Question #8480 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Microwaves, Radar, and Radiofrequency

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

My family and I live in a 24-story building directly above the transformer/meter room. I was just wondering if you could tell me there is any danger associated with that?

Do not worry, such electronic products do not pose a health hazard to you or your family.

Radiofrequency waves have minimal interaction biologically speaking, are not considered hazardous, and should not be of concern. The magnetic fields they induce are also extremely weak. Although certain industrial applications require compliance with a variety of regulations, what the public is normally exposed to, including your residence and workplace, is negligible and should not be a cause for concern. The major hazard with a transformer would be electrical, i.e., the risk of electrocution from improperly insulated wiring.

I am attaching several URLs from several organizations, some of which provide additional links and may also be helpful.

The Federal Communications Commission has standards.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has the authority to establish such standards when they consider it a safety issue; their site covers a broad range of such electromagnetic products.
The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Web site provides some excellent information.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an excellent and informative site.
And finally, I will refer you to our own Health Physics Society site. Simply search on "power line" or "radiofrequency" for additional answers to your specific questions.

I hope this is useful information.

Orhan H. Suleiman, MS, PhD

Answer posted on 21 August 2009. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.