Speaker
Description
The Japan EMF Information Center (JEIC) conducts measurements of magnetic fields (magnetic flux density) generated by electric power facilities and household appliances, and other sources. The results of these measurements are published to facilitate effective risk communication regarding EMFs.
The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan's leading public research institution specializing in the field of information and communications technology, has been conducting research on acquiring, accumulating, and utilizing data related to radio-frequency (RF) exposure levels since 2019.
In recent years, smart meters (SMs) equipped with wireless communication capabilities have replaced conventional electricity meters, with nearly all meters now transitioned to SMs.
Despite their widespread adoption, concerns persist among some individuals regarding the potential health effects of RF EMF exposure.
Moreover, there is a limited number of measurement reports on RF EMFs emitted by SMs in Japan.
To address this gap, we conducted measurements of the electric field (E-field) strength of RF EMFs emitted by SMs operating primarily in the 920 MHz band, which is commonly used in Japan.
The E-field strength emitted by SMs ranged from 0.02 to 0.15 V/m (6-minute average), significantly lower than the reference level for the general public exposure to EMF recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
These findings provide valuable data for effective risk communication with the general public regarding EMFs and may contribute to alleviating public concerns through evidence-based explanations.
