Speaker
Description
The study assesses exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by RADAR systems installed on boats of the Italian Harbour Master's Office. Measurements were conducted on Furuno DRS4D-NXT and Lorenz MDS-9 radars, operating in the X-band (9.4 GHz), aboard boats in the ports of Rome and Vibo Valentia. The analysis follows European Directive 2013/35/EU, which establishes exposure limits and action levels for the worker’s exposure assessment.
Measurements were carried out using sophisticated instruments, considering both the average and peak of the electric field. The results show that the maximum recorded exposure remains below the safety limits. However, the Lorenz radar exhibited significantly higher values than the Furuno, likely due to its higher peak output power. Readings were taken by positioning the equipment in strategic locations to capture maximum radar emissions. The analysis accounted for antenna rotation and the pulse emission cycle.
The findings indicate that while the recorded values comply with occupational safety limits, the increasing use of radar on small vessels raises concerns also about general public exposure. Further targeted studies are necessary to assess the impact of these emissions and to develop more accessible measurement instruments.
