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A measurement of R F field intensities in the immediate vicinity of an F M broadcast station antenna, ORP/EAD-76-2

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Tell R A · 1976

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Early field measurements around FM broadcast antennas established baseline RF exposure data for our increasingly complex wireless environment.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1976 technical report measured radiofrequency field intensities directly around an FM broadcast station antenna. The research documented actual RF exposure levels that people might encounter near broadcast facilities. This type of field measurement data helps establish baseline exposure levels from major RF sources in our environment.

Why This Matters

This early field measurement study represents crucial foundational work in understanding RF exposure from broadcast sources. FM radio stations operate at frequencies between 88-108 MHz and can generate significant field intensities near their transmission sites. What makes this research particularly relevant today is that it documents real-world exposure levels from a time when our RF environment was far simpler than today's wireless world.

While FM broadcast antennas are typically positioned to minimize ground-level exposure, people living or working near broadcast facilities can still encounter elevated RF fields. The measurements from this 1976 study provide important baseline data for comparison with today's multi-layered RF environment, where we're simultaneously exposed to FM radio, cell towers, WiFi, and countless other wireless devices.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Tell R A (1976). A measurement of R F field intensities in the immediate vicinity of an F M broadcast station antenna, ORP/EAD-76-2.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_measurement_of_r_f_field_intensities_in_the_immediate_vicinity_of_an_f_m_broad_g4986,
  author = {Tell R A},
  title = {A measurement of R F field intensities in the immediate vicinity of an F M broadcast station antenna, ORP/EAD-76-2},
  year = {1976},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

FM radio stations broadcast between 88-108 MHz, which falls in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band. These frequencies are much lower than cell phone frequencies but can still generate significant field intensities near transmission antennas.
The study measured field intensities in the "immediate vicinity" of FM broadcast antennas, meaning very close to the transmission source where RF fields would be strongest before dispersing with distance.
In 1976, FM radio represented one of the major sources of RF exposure in the environment. Measuring these fields helped establish baseline exposure levels and safety guidelines for areas around broadcast facilities.
While FM broadcast power levels remain similar, today's RF environment includes many additional sources like cell towers, WiFi, and wireless devices, creating a much more complex exposure scenario than existed in 1976.
RF field intensities vary dramatically with distance, antenna design, and power output. Near-field measurements require specialized equipment and careful positioning to accurately capture the complex electromagnetic field patterns around antennas.