An Investigation of Radiofrequency Radiation Levels on Lookout Mountain, Jefferson County, Colorado September 22 - 26, 1986
Authors not listed · 1987
Government investigators measured RF radiation at Colorado antenna farms in 1986, highlighting long-standing concerns about cumulative wireless exposure.
Plain English Summary
This 1986 government investigation measured radiofrequency radiation levels on Healy Heights in Jefferson County, Colorado, where multiple antenna farms operate. The study examined power density levels from various RF sources concentrated in this area, likely comparing them against FCC exposure guidelines. This type of environmental monitoring helps assess cumulative RF exposure in areas with high antenna density.
Why This Matters
What makes this 1986 study particularly relevant is its focus on 'antenna farms' - concentrated areas where multiple broadcast antennas operate simultaneously. These locations create cumulative RF exposure scenarios that mirror today's concerns about cell tower clusters and 5G densification. The reality is that government agencies have been documenting RF hotspots for decades, yet public awareness of these measurements remains limited. This investigation on Healy Heights represents the kind of environmental monitoring we need more of today, especially as wireless infrastructure continues to proliferate in residential areas. The science demonstrates that cumulative exposures from multiple RF sources can exceed what we'd expect from individual transmitters alone.
Finding
However, near the base of the KYGO-FM tower, a 10,000 pW/cm2 value was found and power densities exceeding 1,000 pW/cm2 were measured over a large area. The areas exceeding the FCC guidelines are in a residential area and are accessible to the public. EPA urges the FCC to order KYGO to correct the problem as soon as possible.
In their words
“However, near the base of the KYGO-FM tower, a 10,000 pW/cm2 value was found and power densities exceeding 1,000 pW/cm2 were measured over a large area. The areas exceeding the FCC guidelines are in a residential area and are accessible to the public. EPA urges the FCC to order KYGO to correct the problem as soon as possible.”
Source
(1987) (1987)Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To investigate radiofrequency radiation intensities near the Lookout Mountain antenna farms, west of Denver, Colorado, and determine if power densities exceed FCC guidelines.
Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Communications Commission personnel investigated radiofr...
Typical power densities near several area residences did not exceed 100 pW/cm2. The highest value fo...
The study found that while most power densities were below FCC guidelines, significant exceedances were found near the KYGO-FM tower. EPA urges the FCC to order KYGO to correct the problem as soon as possible.
Show BibTeX
@article{an_investigation_of_radiofrequency_radiation_levels_on_lookout_mountain_jefferso_g4969,
author = {Unknown},
title = {An Investigation of Radiofrequency Radiation Levels on Lookout Mountain, Jefferson County, Colorado September 22 - 26, 1986},
year = {1987},
}