Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas
Paul S. Ruggera · 1979
Government researchers were measuring RF exposure from personal communication devices decades before cell phones became widespread.
Plain English Summary
This 1979 government study measured electromagnetic field levels near CB (Citizens Band) radio antennas to understand radiation exposure in close proximity to these transmitters. The research focused on documenting actual field strengths that CB radio operators and nearby individuals might encounter during typical use.
Why This Matters
This early government research represents an important milestone in understanding RF exposure from personal communication devices. CB radios, popular in the 1970s, transmitted at power levels similar to today's cell phones but used different frequencies and antenna configurations. What makes this study significant is its focus on 'close proximity' measurements - the kind of exposure patterns we now recognize as critical for health assessment. The reality is that CB operators often positioned antennas on vehicles or homes, creating potential exposure scenarios that parallel today's concerns about cell towers and rooftop installations. While we lack the specific findings, government agencies were clearly recognizing the need to quantify RF exposure levels from consumer communication devices nearly half a century ago.
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 can be exceeded under certain circumstances
Measurements of near fields generated by citizen band antennas operating at 27.12 MHz were conducted...
Field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded in t...
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_g4113,
author = {Paul S. Ruggera},
title = {Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas},
year = {1979},
}