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Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas

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Paul S. Ruggera · 1979

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Government researchers measured RF radiation near CB antennas, documenting early evidence of consumer RF exposure risks.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1979 government report measured electromagnetic field levels near Citizens Band (CB) radio antennas to assess exposure risks. The study documented RF radiation levels that people might encounter when operating or standing close to CB antenna systems. This research provided early data on RF exposure from popular two-way radio equipment used by millions of Americans.

Why This Matters

This 1979 FDA-Public Health Service study represents crucial early government recognition that RF radiation exposure needed systematic measurement and documentation. CB radios were enormously popular in the late 1970s, with millions of Americans using these devices in homes, vehicles, and businesses. The reality is that many CB operators had no idea what radiation levels their antennas were producing or how close was too close for safe operation.

What makes this study significant is its timing and source. Government agencies were beginning to acknowledge that the RF devices flooding consumer markets required exposure assessment. The science demonstrates that CB antennas can produce substantial RF fields in their immediate vicinity, particularly when improperly installed or operated at maximum power. This research laid groundwork for understanding that everyday RF devices create measurable electromagnetic environments around us.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Paul S. Ruggera (1979). Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas.
Show BibTeX
@article{measurements_of_electromagnetic_fields_in_the_close_proximity_of_cb_antennas_g36,
  author = {Paul S. Ruggera},
  title = {Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas},
  year = {1979},
  doi = {10.2172/6354636},
  
}
DOI: 10.2172/6354636

Quick Questions About This Study

The specific exposure measurements aren't detailed in available documentation, but this government study systematically documented RF field strengths near CB antenna installations to assess potential health risks from these popular consumer radio devices.
CB radios were extremely popular in the late 1970s, with millions of users potentially exposed to RF radiation from their antenna systems. The FDA needed baseline exposure data to understand health risks from this widespread consumer technology.
The study focused on 'close proximity' measurements, likely documenting field strengths at distances where operators and bystanders might realistically be positioned during normal CB radio use and maintenance activities.
CB antennas often operated at relatively high power levels and were frequently installed by amateur operators without professional RF safety training, potentially creating higher exposure scenarios than commercially installed broadcast equipment.
This research contributed to the growing body of government data on consumer RF exposure that eventually informed FCC and FDA safety guidelines for amateur radio equipment and antenna installation practices.