Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas
Paul S. Ruggera · 1979
Government researchers measured RF radiation near CB antennas, documenting early evidence of consumer RF exposure risks.
Plain English Summary
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.
Finding
The data indicate that field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded in the vicinity of these antennas under certain circumstances.
In their words
“The data indicate that field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded in the vicinity of these antennas under certain circumstances.”
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 measure electromagnetic fields in the close proximity of CB antennas and determine if field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded under certain circumstances.
Measurements of near fields generated by citizen band antennas operating at 27.12 MHz were conducted...
The data indicate that field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-19...
Field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded in the vicinity of CB antennas under certain circumstances. The health implications of these observations are not clear at this time. The Bureau of Radiological Health is continuing investigations of this matter.
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},
}