EMF Exposure Types
Different types of electromagnetic fields are measured in different units. Explore research organized by how EMF exposure is measured and the sources that produce each type.
Studies with Quantified Exposure Measurements
Some studies include multiple measurement types
Electric Fields
Measured in V/m (volts per meter)
Studies measuring electric fields in Volts per meter (V/m).
Common Sources
Magnetic Fields (ELF)
Measured in mG (milligauss)
Studies measuring extremely low frequency magnetic fields in milliTesla (mT).
Common Sources
Radio Frequency
Measured in μW/m² (microwatts per square meter)
Studies measuring radio frequency exposure via power density (mW/cm²).
Common Sources
SAR / Device Absorption
Measured in W/kg (watts per kilogram)
Studies measuring Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in W/kg from device use.
Common Sources
Building Biology Guidelines
The Building Biology Institute has established exposure guidelines based on precautionary principles, designed to identify levels of concern for sleeping areas. These thresholds are significantly more conservative than government regulations.
Magnetic Fields (ELF)
| No Concern | < 0.2 mG |
| Slight Concern | 0.2 – 1 mG |
| Severe Concern | 1 – 5 mG |
| Extreme Concern | > 5 mG |
Electric Fields
| No Concern | < 0.3 V/m |
| Slight Concern | 0.3 – 1.5 V/m |
| Severe Concern | 1.5 – 10 V/m |
| Extreme Concern | > 10 V/m |
Radio Frequency
| No Concern | < 0.1 μW/m² |
| Slight Concern | 0.1 – 10 μW/m² |
| Severe Concern | 10 – 1,000 μW/m² |
| Extreme Concern | > 1,000 μW/m² |
SAR / Device Absorption
| No Concern | < 0.4 W/kg |
| Slight Concern | 0.4 – 1.0 W/kg |
| Severe Concern | 1.0 – 1.6 W/kg |
| Extreme Concern | > 1.6 W/kg (FCC limit) |
Source: Building Biology Institute SBM-2015 Guidelines. Note: Government limits (FCC, ICNIRP) are typically 100-10,000x higher than these precautionary guidelines.