CALCULATIONS OF HAZARDOUS ZONES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
W. T. Dickinson, W. S. Carley, C. G. Sturgill · 1961
Even in 1961, engineers recognized the need to calculate safe distances from electromagnetic radiation sources.
Plain English Summary
This 1961 technical report developed mathematical methods for calculating dangerous radiation zones around electromagnetic transmitters and antennas. The researchers created formulas to determine safe distances from various types of electromagnetic radiation sources. This work laid important groundwork for understanding how far electromagnetic fields extend and at what distances they might pose health risks.
Why This Matters
This foundational research from 1961 represents one of the earliest systematic attempts to quantify electromagnetic hazard zones around transmitters and antennas. The science demonstrates that even six decades ago, engineers recognized the need to calculate safe exposure distances from electromagnetic sources. What this means for you is that the concept of electromagnetic hazard zones isn't new - it's been a recognized engineering principle since the early days of radio technology.
The reality is that these early calculations focused primarily on thermal effects and immediate safety concerns around high-power transmitters. Today's research reveals biological effects at much lower power levels than these original hazard zone calculations considered. Put simply, while this work established important safety frameworks, our understanding of EMF health effects has expanded far beyond what these 1961 calculations anticipated.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagram extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To describe the radiation characteristics of two general antenna configurations with reasonable accuracy and operational facility, and to develop techniques for predicting power density near radiating structures.
Theoretical analysis of radiation characteristics of linear antennas and large aperture antennas. Po...
Calculations of power density near linear antennas and large aperture antennas. Presentation of desi...
The hazard zone concept was used to relate theoretical predictions to empirical studies. The power density concept was accepted as a measure of hazardous conditions. Theoretical techniques for predicting power density near radiating structures were developed and validated through calculations.
Show BibTeX
@article{calculations_of_hazardous_zones_of_electromagnetic_radiation_g5570,
author = {W. T. Dickinson and W. S. Carley and C. G. Sturgill},
title = {CALCULATIONS OF HAZARDOUS ZONES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION},
year = {1961},
}