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Electric Fields

IN SITU EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF INTERMEDIATE FREQUENCY FIELDS OF DIVERSE DEVICES.

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Van Den Bossche M, Verloock L, Aerts S, Joseph W, Martens L. · 2014

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Common devices like touchscreens and energy-saving bulbs exceed international safety limits for electric fields at typical usage distances.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Belgian researchers tested electromagnetic fields from touchscreens, energy-saving bulbs, and fluorescent lamps. They found these common devices exceed international safety limits when used within arm's reach, with touchscreens surpassing limits by 56% at close range. Users should maintain 15-25 centimeters distance for safety.

Why This Matters

This research exposes a troubling gap between the devices we use daily and the safety standards designed to protect us. The science demonstrates that touchscreens, energy-saving bulbs, and fluorescent lamps routinely exceed ICNIRP reference levels for electric field exposure - not at extreme distances, but at the ranges where we actually interact with these technologies. What this means for you is that the 'safe' distances aren't being communicated to consumers, and manufacturers aren't required to design products that comply with exposure limits at normal usage distances. The reality is that intermediate frequency fields occupy a regulatory blind spot, receiving less attention than either power line frequencies or cell phone radiation, despite our increasing exposure through modern electronics and lighting.

Exposure Details

Electric Field
155.7 V/m
Source/Device
44 kHz

Exposure Context

This study used 155.7 V/m for electric fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 44 kHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 44 kHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

In this study, in situ exposure assessment of both electric and magnetic fields of different intermediate frequency (IF) sources is investigated.

The authors investigated smart boards and touchscreens, energy-saving bulbs, fluorescent lamps, a po...

or most of these sources, the electric field is the dominating quantity. International Commission on...

Cite This Study
Van Den Bossche M, Verloock L, Aerts S, Joseph W, Martens L. (2014). IN SITU EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF INTERMEDIATE FREQUENCY FIELDS OF DIVERSE DEVICES. Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2014 Aug 14. pii: ncu257.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2014_in_situ_exposure_assessment_1398,
  author = {Van Den Bossche M and Verloock L and Aerts S and Joseph W and Martens L.},
  title = {IN SITU EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF INTERMEDIATE FREQUENCY FIELDS OF DIVERSE DEVICES.},
  year = {2014},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25125596/},
}
PubMed: 25125596

Cited By (6 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, Belgian researchers found touchscreens exceed international safety limits by 56% when used at close range. The electromagnetic fields from touchscreens can surpass recommended exposure levels at distances under 15 centimeters, requiring users to maintain proper distance for safety.
Energy-saving bulbs can exceed international safety limits for electromagnetic field exposure when you're too close. Belgian research found these bulbs emit fields up to 117 volts per meter, requiring users to maintain adequate distance for safe operation.
Fluorescent lamps emit electromagnetic fields that exceed international safety guidelines at close distances. Research shows these lights can produce fields up to 471 volts per meter at 5 centimeters, requiring 25 centimeters distance for compliance with safety standards.
Common devices including touchscreens, energy-saving bulbs, and fluorescent lamps all exceed international electromagnetic field safety limits at typical use distances. Belgian researchers found these everyday electronics surpass recommended exposure levels when used within arm's reach.
You should maintain 15-25 centimeters distance from common electronic devices to stay within safety limits. Belgian research found touchscreens require 15 centimeters minimum distance, while fluorescent lamps need 25 centimeters to meet international electromagnetic field guidelines.